Capsulectomy

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

A capsulectomy is necessary to remove the fibrous scar tissue envelope, or capsule, that forms around a breast implant. Indications for this procedure include ruptured implants, potential breast implant illness ⁽¹⁾, or capsular contracture, the painful hardening and constriction of scar tissue in the breasts.

At Zarrabi Plastic Surgery, Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Michael Zarrabi has been honing his meticulous surgical technique for more than 20 years. As an expert in complex breast surgeries and other intricate facial and body contouring procedures, Dr. Zarrabi prioritizes safety and personalized care for all his patients.

To explore your options for capsulectomy surgery with Dr. Zarrabi, submit our online contact form or call our Beverly Hills and Santa Monica offices at (310) 584-9990.

About Capsulectomy

The breasts are composed of glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue. When a patient receives silicone or saline implants during breast augmentation, the body responds by forming a thin capsule of scar tissue around the foreign materials. While this is a natural part of the healing process, the capsule can sometimes become excessively thick, tight, or calcified, leading to physical discomfort and aesthetic changes, or what is medically referred to as “capsular contracture.” ⁽²⁾ In these instances, Dr. Zarrabi can perform a capsulectomy to remove the envelope of hardened tissue and restore the natural look and feel of the breast.

Types of Capsulectomy

Depending on the patient’s specific needs and the condition of the implant, Dr. Zarrabi will perform one of several variations of capsulectomy.

Total Capsulectomy: Dr. Zarrabi removes the entire scar tissue capsule. This is often the ideal approach when the implant is still in good condition but the capsule is severely hardened or there is concern about residual inflammation.
Partial Capsulectomy: Dr. Zarrabi removes only a portion of the capsule, typically the part that is causing the most constriction or discomfort around the implant. This approach may be best if the capsule is thin or if total removal poses a risk to surrounding, healthy tissue.
En Bloc Capsulectomy: Primarily for patients with ruptured or leaking implants or those seeking surgery to address breast implant illness, Dr. Zarrabi removes the implant and intact capsule as a cohesive unit to ensure that no debris or inflammatory material remains.

Benefits

The primary benefit of a capsulectomy is the immediate relief from physical pain and tension caused by capsular contracture. Beyond physical relief, patients enjoy significant aesthetic improvements as the breasts regain a softer, more natural look and movement. Additionally, the procedure allows Dr. Zarrabi to meticulously inspect the surgical site, identifying or resolving potential implant issues or silent ruptures that may not be visible through imaging. To offer additional health clarity and peace of mind, tissue specimens can be collected and submitted to a pathology lab for comprehensive analysis.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for capsulectomy include patients experiencing capsular contracture to the degree where the breast is painful and visibly distorted. The procedure is also indicated for patients with confirmed implant ruptures or those experiencing symptoms associated with breast implant illness who wish to have their implants removed. All patients must be in overall good health and medically cleared for surgery.

Personal Consultation

During this in-person meeting, Dr. Zarrabi will listen as you detail your reasons for seeking a capsulectomy. He has extensive experience performing various breast surgeries beyond augmentation, including implant removal and revision, and tailors his treatment to each patient’s individual anatomy and goals. He will perform a thorough physical exam and review your medical history, including the details of previous breast surgeries. This exchange of information enables Dr. Zarrabi to determine the best surgical approach and create your personal treatment plan.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Zarrabi, submit our online contact form or call Zarrabi Plastic Surgery at (310) 584-9990.

Preparation

Dr. Zarrabi will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to help you prepare for a smooth procedure and recovery period. Smokers must quit using nicotine for 4-6 weeks before and after surgery, and all patients should temporarily suspend use of any anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications or supplements. Dr. Zarrabi recommends filling all necessary prescriptions in advance, scheduling time off from work and other physical commitments, and arranging transportation and personal care for the day of your surgery and the first 24-48 hours of recovery. Please follow any instructions you receive.

Procedure

Dr. Zarrabi will perform your capsulectomy as an outpatient procedure at the state-of-the-art Rodeo Surgery Center in Beverly Hills. You will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and Dr. Zarrabi will typically start by utilizing the original breast augmentation incision sites to minimize new scarring. He performs a meticulous dissection of the capsule from the surrounding chest wall and breast tissue. Following the removal of both the implant and its surrounding capsule, Dr. Zarrabi meticulously cleanses the surgical site to prepare the area for the next stage of the procedure, which may involve inserting new implants, performing a fat transfer breast augmentation to restore some natural fullness, or performing a breast lift for patients who prefer not to have further augmentation. Finally, he closes the incisions with multi-layered sutures to ensure optimal healing.

Recovery

Patients can expect a recovery process similar to the initial breast surgery. You will experience some tenderness, bruising, and swelling, which is manageable with prescribed pain medication and typically dissipates within about a week. At this time, you can return to desk work and light activities. You must wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healthy circulation and avoid strenuous activities, running, and heavy lifting for 6 to 8 weeks or until Dr. Zarrabi gives you clearance.

Results

A capsulectomy offers lasting advantages, such as comfort, a more natural breast feel and contour, and enhanced peace of mind. Although improvements are noticeable shortly after the procedure, complete aesthetic success and scar maturation typically take about a year. To optimize your ongoing health and the longevity of your results, maintaining a schedule of regular follow-up evaluations with Dr. Zarrabi is vital.

Corresponding Procedures

To help patients reach their specific aesthetic goals, Dr. Zarrabi frequently performs other breast procedures alongside capsulectomy. You can discuss the best options for your comprehensive transformation during your personal consultation.

Breast Lift

For patients opting out of new implants, Dr. Zarrabi can combine a capsulectomy with a breast lift to elevate the breast mound. This dual approach effectively addresses skin laxity by tightening and reshaping the tissues for a firmer, more youthful aesthetic. In most cases, Dr. Zarrabi will also reposition the nipples to a raised, more central, and ideal location.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

For patients who wish to maintain moderate breast volume after removing their implants without getting new ones, fat transfer breast augmentation is often an ideal solution. Dr. Zarrabi will harvest fat from donor areas of your body and carefully inject it into the breast tissue for a soft, natural-looking profile following your capsulectomy surgery.

Cost of Capsulectomy in Los Angeles

The cost of a capsulectomy varies depending on factors such as the surgical technique, procedure complexity, presence of corresponding procedures, and anesthesia requirements. During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will provide an itemized cost estimate that reflects the details of your personal treatment plan.

When you are ready to start planning your capsulectomy, contact Zarrabi Plastic Surgery online or call our Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offices at (310) 584-9990.

FAQ

What is the recovery time for a capsulectomy?

Most patients return to light activities and desk work within 7 to 10 days. However, full recovery—including the resumption of heavy lifting and intense exercise—usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Zarrabi monitors your progress through regular follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing.

Do I have to get new implants after a capsulectomy?

Not necessarily. While many patients choose to replace their implants, others opt for a removal-only approach, often combined with a breast lift or fat transfer to maintain shape. Your consultation with Dr. Zarrabi can help you decide which path best aligns with your health and aesthetic goals.

How long is the capsulectomy surgery?

Depending on the complexity and whether Dr. Zarrabi performs any corresponding procedures, surgery typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours.

Is recovery from a capsulectomy painful?

Patients generally report tightness and soreness. Dr. Zarrabi provides a comprehensive pain management plan to ensure you are comfortable during the initial healing phase.

How can a capsulectomy affect my long-term health?

A capsulectomy significantly reduces the risk of chronic inflammation and discomfort. For those concerned with breast implant illness, removing the entire capsule (total or en bloc) ensures that all potential inflammatory triggers are removed, often leading to a substantial improvement in chronic symptoms.

References

Serena TJ, Habib P, Derosa A. Breast Implant Illness: A Cohort Study. Cureus. 2023;15(4):e38056. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.38056
Safran T, Nepon H, Chu CK, et al. Current Concepts in Capsular Contracture: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Management. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(03):189-197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1731793