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La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa
9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
Call: (858) 452-1981 Text: (858) 203-2944
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
La Jolla Cosmetic Medical Spa - Carlsbad
7730 El Camino Real Suite C
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Call: (858) 788-7989 Text: (858) 203-2944
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States—and the vast majority of our La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa patients are so happy with their results that they cannot imagine not having their breast implants. All the same, a small percentage of patients each year decide to have their breast implants removed, either due to a complication or simply personal preference.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons are highly experienced in explantation, or breast implant removal. And, just as they personalize breast augmentation to each patient’s needs, they personalize breast implant removal to ensure a safe surgery and aesthetically pleasing result. One technique an increasing number of patients are asking about is en bloc breast implant removal, or en bloc explantation.
En bloc explantation is a breast implant removal technique that takes out the old breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule as one unit (the term “en bloc” means “all together”). After breast augmentation, the body responds by forming a layer of scar tissue around the implant—this is called a capsule. You’ve probably heard of the capsule in relation to a complication called “capsular contracture”—abnormal contraction of the capsule—but every single patient with breast implants has capsules. The difference is that a normal, healthy capsule cannot be felt and does not cause problems.
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En bloc explantation has not been shown to produce any results different or better than a total capsulectomy and removal of the implant. It is a procedure based on the belief that keeping the implant inside the capsule reduces the risk of any contaminants from the implant getting into the body.
More and more of our San Diego breast implant removal patients are asking about en bloc explantation. There are certain situations in which en bloc removal either cannot be safely performed, or is not in the patient’s best interest:
En bloc explantation requires at least an incision along the entire length of the inframammary fold. If the implants are very small, the incision could be shorter. If the breasts and/or implants are large, a vertical incision from the fold to the edge of the areola may be needed.
To perform en bloc capsulectomy, a plastic surgeon carefully separates the capsule from the breast tissue, keeping the breast implant inside.
Once the capsule is completely released from the breast tissue, the capsule and implant are removed together.
The resulting breast cavity is irrigated with saline, Betadine, and a triple antibiotic solution. A drain is inserted and the incisions are closed.
A breast lift may be advised to address any stretched or sagging skin and ensure a beautiful result. We will be sure to discuss this option with you before surgery and help you understand how a breast lift may help.
Recovery after en bloc breast implant removal is typically quicker than the initial breast augmentation recovery. Most patients return to office jobs within one week, and can resume exercise gradually after a couple of weeks. If you are having a breast lift at the same time, your recovery may be a little longer. Of course, your plastic surgeon and their nurse will go over the details of your surgery and expected recovery during your consultation.
Since 1988, more than 36,000 patients have had safe, successful procedures at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa.
If you are considering having your breast implants removed, or you are interested in learning more about the en bloc removal technique from our plastic surgeons, please call our office at (858) 452-1981 or request a consultation online.
Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa Editor on May 24th, 2023. Meet Our Medical Editors
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