Wednesday, August 7
Enbloc Capsulectomy and Furry Brazilians or Polyurethane Breast Implants
Enbloc capsulectomy and Furry Brazilians or Polyurethane Breast Implants
Do you have questions about breast implant revision surgery? Dr Cheng explains the meaning of 'enbloc capsulectomy' while taking a closer look at #furrybrazilians or #polyurethanebreastimplants before during and after the implant is removed from a patient due to capsular contracture.
Enbloc capsulectomy involves removing both the breast implant and capsule in one entire piece. At this stage the science still can't tell us if removing breast implants using the enbloc technique provides any additional benefits over a standard capsulectomy or breast implant and capsule removal. In any case safety is always my number one priority above all else. If my patient requests enbloc capsulectomy we discuss the benefits and risks including longer scar, extended operating time and degree of difficulty particularly if there is silicone material that is located outside of the capsule and on/or near important structures e.g. chest wall.
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or BIA-ALCL
Due to their rougher surface texture (grade 4 macrotexture) this breast implant does have a higher incidence or risk of BIA ALCL with recent studies indicating 1:2800 women. Comparatively the risk is still small when you consider the risk of breast cancer which is 1:8 women. At this stage there the Therapeutic Goods Association and our peak plastic surgery bodies are not recommending to have these breast implants removed unless you are experiencing symptoms including:
- swelling of a breast caused by fluid build-up around the implant
- a lump in the breast or armpit.
What if I have implants but no symptoms at all?
- Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts #knowyourlemons
- Perform self-examinations of your breasts and nipples regularly in the bath or shower, and include your armpits and up to your collarbone.
If you think there are any changes, or if you have any concerns, contact your GP or surgeon immediately.
You can find more information about breast implant safety here.
Dr Eddie Cheng is a board certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Brisbane, Australia. Socialise with us @arplasticsurgery to learn more about Dr Eddie Cheng and our Team.