Introduction
Breast augmentation is a very popular cosmetic surgery that usually yields great results with minimal complications. However, in some cases, patients may experience a complication known as capsular contracture. When this problem occurs, it can negatively impact both the look and feel of the breasts, and for some women, it can also lead to chronic pain. If you’re dealing with a serious case of capsular contracture after your breast augmentation procedure, you may need a capsulectomy in Scottsdale, AZ, and the surrounding Phoenix area.
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When you have breast implants inserted into your chest, your body naturally forms protective “capsules” of thick scar tissue around them. This tissue helps to keep the implants in place and protected. Typically, these capsules will be soft or slightly firm. However, in some cases, the scar tissue can gradually tighten around the implants, leading to capsular contracture. As the capsule becomes tighter around the implant, it can start to distort the appearance of the breast and make it feel hard to the touch. In some patients, frequent discomfort can also be a symptom of capsular contracture.
Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure used to eliminate the symptoms of capsular contracture and restore the shape and feel of the affected breast(s).
Anyone in Phoenix experiencing significant capsular contracture after breast augmentation surgery could be a good candidate for capsulectomy. Ideal candidates for the procedure should:
Capsulectomy can provide all of the following benefits for patients suffering from capsular contracture:
If you believe that you’re a candidate for capsulectomy, the first step will be to have a consultation with Dr. Craft in Scottsdale, AZ. During this meeting, the doctor will discuss your symptoms with you and help you determine whether capsulectomy is the best option for you. He’ll also work with you to determine which type of capsulectomy is an ideal fit and to create a custom-tailored treatment plan.
Your capsulectomy will likely be performed as an outpatient procedure under regional nerve blocks and IV anesthesia in Phoenix. Once you’ve been rendered temporarily unconscious, Dr. Craft will begin by making the necessary incision along the crease of the affected breast. After that, the specifics of the procedure will depend on which type of capsulectomy you’re undergoing. When he has finished removing the capsule and implant and, if applicable, inserting the new implant, the doctor will close the incision and bandage the area. Overall, the procedure typically takes around two to three hours to complete.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient, there are three different types of capsulectomy that may be performed:
During a total capsulectomy, Dr. Craft removes both the affected breast implant and the entire capsule of scar tissue separately. Depending on your personal preferences and treatment plan, your breast implant may then be replaced with a new, customized implant.
Another common type of capsulectomy is the subtotal or partial capsulectomy. Like the total capsulectomy, this procedure involves removing and, usually, replacing the affected breast implant. However, instead of removing the entire capsule of scar tissue, Dr. Craft will remove only a section of it. Subtotal capsulectomy generally requires a slightly smaller incision than total capsulectomy, which results in less visible scarring.
The least common type of capsulectomy is the en bloc capsulectomy. During this surgery, both the affected breast implant and capsule are removed simultaneously as one piece. This type of capsulectomy, which is the most complex version of the surgery, is most commonly performed in cases of a ruptured implant. Additionally, en bloc capsulectomy is typically chosen for patients with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. There are certain guidelines that do not recommend this approach for BII. Dr. Craft will discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation and determine what is best suited for you.
Usually, you’ll be able to return home a few hours after your capsulectomy, but you’ll need someone else to drive you home. Dr. Craft will give you thorough instructions for the recovery process, and he may also prescribe pain medication. You will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following your procedure. You may also need to temporarily sleep on your back and wear a surgical support bra.
Most patients can return to work and resume their normal activities in approximately one to two weeks after the procedure. However, it’s best to wait at least a month before resuming strenuous physical activity.
The cost of Capsulectomy in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area can vary depending on the severity of your capsular contracture, the complexity of the procedure (total, subtotal, or en bloc), anesthesia fees, and whether or not your implants are being replaced. On average, patients can expect pricing to range from $8,000 to $12,000, but the final cost will be specific to your individual surgical plan. In some cases, when capsulectomy is deemed medically necessary due to pain or complications, a portion of the procedure may be covered by insurance. During your consultation, our team will provide a personalized quote and discuss financing options to make your treatment as accessible as possible.
Our Ethos
It’s important to have your capsulectomy performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. At CraftMD, you’ll be under the care of double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Randall O. Craft in Phoenix, AZ. He and his team believe in compassionate, patient-centric care, and they’ll go the extra mile to ensure that your capsulectomy yields wonderful results and fully eliminates your capsular contracture. Please call us or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.