Breast Implant Illness and En Bloc Capsulectomy in Scottsdale

Breast implant illness (BII) is a loosely defined term for a condition affecting women who have developed a variety of symptoms after the placement of their breast implants. Although breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure and is considered safe, the connection to breast implant illness symptoms is not well understood by researchers and doctors.

What are the signs and symptoms Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) is not a currently recognized diagnosis and is sometimes referred to as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants or ASIA. There are no currently recognized standards of diagnosis, but patients report a variety of symptoms. Symptoms include chronic fatigue and pain; depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping; skin irritation, rashes, and hair loss; gastrointestinal issues and other symptoms.

Although breast implant illness is not understood, there does not seem to be a direct correspondence to a particular type of implant. Silicone and saline implants can be effected, regardless of shape and texture. In many cases, patients have reported resolution of BII symptoms after the breast implants are removed.

What is Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of  cancer of the immune system that can occur in patients with textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, but can occur in women who have had reconstruction with textured implants following breast cancer, as well as women with no history of breast cancer.

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include pain and swelling at the breast; breast enlargement or asymmetry; hardness, fluid collection, or developing a lump in the breast; and a skin rash over the breast. BIA-ALCL only affects patients with textured implants — not smooth implants.

En Bloc Capsulectomy Defined

“En bloc” means as a whole, and “capsulectomy” means surgical removal of the capsule. When a breast implant is placed, the surrounding breast tissue forms a natural capsule around the implant made of scar tissue. In an en bloc capsulectomy, the entire capsule and implant are removed as a whole intact.

En Bloc Capsulectomy for BIA-ALCL

En bloc capsulectomy is the recommended implant removal for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Removing the capsule and breast implant intact ensures that the cancer cells are totally removed at the time of the surgery. En bloc capsulectomy is the most advanced technique for implant removal, and may require a longer incision for surgical access.

Am I a candidate for an En Bloc Capsulectomy?

Your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Howarth is your opportunity to discuss your reasons for wanting your breast implants removed and your history with breast implant illness or BIA-ALCL. First, candidates for en bloc capsulectomy breast implant removal should be in good overall health. Secondly,  patients should be at a stable weight. Finally, patients should have a desire to have their saline or silicone breast implants taken out with the surrounding scar capsule intact.

What should I expect during my implant removal surgery?

Your en bloc capsulectomy surgery is generally a single-day outpatient procedure that will take place under general anesthesia. We perform our surgeries a the Paradise Valley Cosmetic Surgery Center, which is conveniently located adjacent to our office.

The extent of the procedure depends on the surgical plan that was developed at your consultation.