While capsular contracture is not dangerous in and of itself, breast pain and malposition can lead women to want to have breast implant removal or breast implant exchange surgery with removal of the thicker capsule, which is known as a capsulectomy. If a woman suspects that she has breast implant-associated illness, a complete capsulectomy is usually performed when the implants are removed.
Capsulectomies can be performed in different ways, depending on the patient’s needs.
A traditional capsulectomy usually involves removing the breast implants and then separately removing the capsule that has formed around the implant. This is the most common approach. It allows the surgeon flexibility to address scar tissue while minimizing incision size and surgical complexity based on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Another option is a partial capsulectomy, where the implant is removed along with a portion of the implant capsule. This approach may be recommended when only certain areas of the capsule are problematic, helping reduce surgical time and tissue disruption while still achieving symptom relief or aesthetic improvement.
An en bloc capsulectomy removes the breast implant and the entire capsule in one piece. The en bloc technique requires a slightly larger incision for removal and is very popular with women who would like to ensure that the entire implant and capsule are completely removed.
Before a capsulectomy, patients will schedule a consultation with Dr. Timothy Janiga at our office in Reno, NV. After examining the patient’s breasts and discussing their concerns, Dr. Janiga will explain the different options and help them determine the best one for their needs.. Patients must also be in overall good health and committed to following all instructions provided by Dr. Janiga for surgical preparation and recovery steps, hold off on alcohol consumption and smoking prior to the procedure, and limit blood-thinning medications and supplements. If you are prescribed a blood-thinning medication by your doctor, please discuss this with Dr. Janiga or your provider before discontinuing any medications.
Dr. Timothy Janiga is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience and countless patient success stories. His calm, expert, and meticulous approach has transformed the lives of both cosmetic and reconstruction patients, helping them feel good in their bodies. Dr. Janiga is an expert in all aspects of plastic surgery and specializes in cosmetic facial surgery, body contouring, and breast surgery.
The capsulectomy procedure is performed under general anesthesia at our JCAHO-accredited outpatient patient surgery center. Dr. Janiga will make an incision in the breast crease or follow the existing incision scar to remove the breast implant and capsule.
After the implant and capsule have been removed, you’ll have several options. You can choose to have the implants replaced. In this case, new implants can be put in the pocket where the capsule was removed, or placed in a different pocket location. You can also leave the implant out completely after removal.
At times, complete removal can leave the natural breast tissue deflated and flat. In this case, a breast lift or mastopexy may be able to reposition the breast, or volume can be added with fat grafting or a fat substitute like Alloclae. Fat grafting involves removing fat from another location on the body with liposuction and then processing and purifying the tissue for injection into the treatment area. Alloclae is a fat stimulator that is made for the breast area and may be needed in some cases if a patient does not have enough fat for liposuction. Sometimes, a combination of all of these techniques can be used.
After the capsule is removed, a drain is typically placed to manage any fluid that occurs from removing the capsule. Patients will be monitored in a recovery room for 1-2 hours before returning home.
My experience with Dr. Janiga and his office, has been excellent in every way. From office visits to surgery, post-op, scheduling. It’s all been absolutely professional and worth every penny.
Let’s face it, there’s only so much you can do yourself through diet and exercise. I am six months post-op on my Breast Augmentation and couldn’t be happier with my results. Before my surgery, I made the investment and consulted with a total of six of the top surgeons in this area before deciding that Dr. Janiga was the best. He is very professional and focused on his patient’s results. I also like that he is a Nevadan. I told him I didn’t know exactly what size I wanted, but how I wanted to look afterwards. He was willing to make the choice for me, and I was right in trusting his expertise. The surgery was a breeze, as was recovery. Also, it must be a great place to work as all of the staff there are so pleasant and helpful, which a testament to the doctors there. I highly recommend Dr. Janiga!
My experience with Dr. Timothy Janiga and his entire team has been beyond stellar. He clearly met my needs with concise information and consultation. I felt prepared and in good hands throughout the process. I am now 4 months out from a major “beautification” project and couldn’t be happier with my selection of Dr. Janiga. I had no discomfort, and felt totally safe and cared for throughout the process which included pre-op, post-op and of course, the surgery itself. I highly recommend the team at JanigaMDs.
I loved Dr. Janiga. He was amazing throughout the whole breast reduction process and is very skilled and knowledgeable in his field! His staff is also amazing and sweet and I always felt taken care of when there. Super happy with my experience and will be recommending people to him in the future 🙂
Your recovery from a capsulectomy procedure will depend on factors like whether you had your breast implants removed or replaced, as well as whether you opt for a breast lift or fat transfer. Whatever your unique surgical plan, Dr. Timothy Janiga will go over what to expect during your recovery. Generally, patients require one or two weeks away from their regular schedule to rest and recover. A surgical bra will be worn during this time to support the breasts, encourage healthy blood flow, and reduce the risks of capsular contracture reoccurring. You’ll also be prescribed pain medications to manage swelling and discomfort, and advised to avoid heavy lifting for up to six weeks to avoid stretching the chest muscles.
It can take a month or longer for your final results to emerge as swelling decreases and incisions heal. Most swelling will reduce during the first two weeks of recovery, but residual swelling can persist for two to six weeks, depending on the specific procedures you had with your capsulectomy. Once the final results are developed, patients will be relieved of physical discomfort and can feel more confident with the restored appearance of their breasts.
Choosing JanigaMDs for your capsulectomy means placing your care in the hands of a highly respected surgical team led by Dr. Timothy Janiga, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery and reconstructive procedures like capsulectomy. Dr. Janiga completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Michigan, one of the nation’s premier programs, and has received the “Top Doctor in Nevada” and America’s Most Honored Professionals — Top 5% awards, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He brings meticulous attention, thoughtful judgment, and personalized care to every surgical case.
Patients benefit from Dr. Janiga’s expertise in collaboration with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Janiga. JanigaMDs is the only practice in Northern Nevada to host a board-certified plastic surgeon and dermatologist under one roof. Together, they offer comprehensive guidance and support before and after surgery to achieve long-lasting aesthetic improvements that consider each patient’s overall health and wellness.
At JanigaMDs, your capsulectomy is approached with advanced surgical technique and commitment to safety. Dr. Janiga and his team create individualized treatment plans that consider your anatomy, previous surgeries, and aesthetic goals, ensuring that your procedure is both technically sound and aligned with your desired outcome. We understand the transformative impact of cosmetic breast surgery for women and deliver compassionate, patient-centered care to help patients feel informed and confident at each step of the treatment process. With this in mind, Dr. Janiga performs his capsulectomy procedures at his JCAHO-accredited surgery center, Mountain West Surgical Center, where he has hand-selected the board-certified anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff to provide consistent and safe care to all of his surgical patients.
With a practice built on excellence in plastic surgery and a strong record of patient satisfaction, JanigaMDs stands out as a trusted choice for capsulectomy and other breast procedures in Northern Nevada.
If you experienced complications after your breast implant procedure, it’s important to partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can perform an effective capsulectomy and achieve your intended results. To get started, contact our Reno office by calling or filling out our online form and meet with Dr. Janiga to discuss your options.
JanigaMDs is the only practice in Reno where patients can consult with both a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon in one visit.
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Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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