En bloc Breast Implant Removal

To understand en bloc capsulectomy or total capsulectomy plastic surgery procedures, you need to be familiar with a capsule, which is the scar tissue that develops around the breast implant. 

Scar tissue development is a normal process of the body and, in most cases, it will not alter the appearance and feel of your implants. When performing the breast implant removal surgery, it is important to take the capsule into consideration.

If the implants are being taken out permanently, a total capsulectomy can assist in the healing and tissue recovery. In an enbloc capsulectomy surgery, the whole capsule is removed along with the implant in one single piece. Your implant remains inside the capsule during the entire surgery. The surgeon will remove the old capsule using en bloc capsulectomy only when they determine it is appropriate and safe for the patient.

Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides breast implant removal to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding locations.

When is en bloc capsulectomy not recommended ?

There are some situations where an en bloc capsulectomy surgery cannot be undertaken or it is not the most ideal decision. If the capsule is delicate and thin, it may be difficult to take it out as a single piece. 

The surgeon will take out as much of the capsule as possible with the implant and then carefully remove the remaining scar tissue. Another condition that could prevent en bloc with total capsulectomy is if the capsule is adhering to vital tissues.

For example, if scar tissue is found attached tightly to the rib cage, taking out the tissue could lead to the risk of injuring the lungs. In such situations some portions of the capsule will stay in place. Your surgeon will take all the necessary steps to allow adequate healing which includes sterilizing the remaining capsule. Usually, the remaining capsule does not cause any problems to the patient. 

The Process of Implant Removal 

Breast implant removal plastic surgery procedure is normally undertaken in the outpatient setting at a recognized surgical facility. This procedure may have to be performed under general anesthesia and lasts for about two hours. Normally, the procedure can be performed using the incision sites from your previous breast enhancement. 

At times, your surgeon may feel the need to make an extra incision to ensure total removal of the capsule. The surgeon will smartly take out the entire capsule that has formed around the implant and remove it as a single piece. 

Once the capsules have been taken out, the surgeon will close the incisions, and place the patient’s breasts in a compression bra. Removing the implants restores the natural aesthetics, but the procedure may create some changes to soft tissue. Drooping or sagging of the breasts may occur after the removal of implant because of the stretching of the skin. 

If the patient does not want to have new implants, there are several other alternatives to address this issue. The first option is a breast lift, in which the surgeon will remove the extra skin and reposition the nipple and areola to form a perkier breast. The second alternative is to add more volume to the breast with fat grafting. This involves replacing partially what was created by the implant, but with a more natural and subtler effect.

Recovery from Implant Removal

If you are keeping good overall health, are not overweight, and do not smoke, your recovery will be quicker and you will require a downtime of less than a week. Some postoperative swelling is expected and this usually goes away within the first four weeks after surgery.

Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.