En bloc capsulectomy is a specialized surgical technique where the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule are removed as a single, unopened unit. This method ensures that silicone, biofilm, or pathogens remain trapped inside the capsule, preventing contact with the body.
- Surgical technique: Removes the implant and capsule together like an unopened pocket.
- Medical indications: Recommended for silicone ruptures, Breast Implant Illness, or rare lymphomas like BIA-ALCL.
- Technical difficulty: Requires precise dissection to avoid tearing the capsule from the chest wall.
- Standard alternative: Traditional capsulectomy involves removing the implant first, then extracting the scar tissue.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many patients request en bloc for Breast Implant Illness, the technical difficulty increases risks to the ribs and lungs. In Thailand, high-volume centers like Yanhee International Hospital or Bumrungrad International Hospital utilize board-certified surgeons with experience in thousands of cases. If a capsule is too thin or adhered to vital structures, top surgeons will transition to a total capsulectomy for safety. Always confirm with your surgeon if they provide the necessary documentation to prove the capsule was removed completely intact.
Patient Consensus: Patients often choose this method to ensure total removal of all foreign material. Those who have undergone the procedure emphasize the importance of requesting photos of the intact capsules to verify the technique was successful.