Select Page

What is the capsule?

What is the capsule?

What is the capsule?

Q: What is the capsule?… What does it mean when people says they will get the capsule removed, or straight removal without removing the capsule?… I don’t understand the terms and I want to know the difference before I undergo implant removal… How do I know which way I need to go how to ask this question when I start going into consultations to find a ps . Thank you

A: Our body has several mechanisms to deal with foreign objects. When a foreign body cannot be broken down, we form a wall around it. Breast implants are foreign objects and your body will always put a layer of scar tissue around the implants. This scar tissue is called a capsule. It always exists. The capsule is generally thin and flexible and causes no problems whatsoever. However, sometimes this scar tissue becomes calcified and contracts (capsular contracture). This can cause the implant to become hard to the touch and/or misshapen. When capsular contracture occurs the capsule needs to be removed. If, however, you are removing or exchanging your implants and you have a normal, thin, asymptomatic capsule, the capsule does not need to be removed. The capsule is attached to the underlying structures of your breast and removing it increases the risk of bleeding and tissue damage during surgery.