There are a number of women with breast implants who feel that they have breast implant illness (BII) and are requesting, or even insisting , to have their breast implants removed along with an en bloc capsulectomy.
They do their online research and find information that seems to be quite authoritative and definitive that supports this approach. According to the recommendations found on these sites, which are generally touted by self-appointed experts in the field, anything less than an en bloc capsulectomy would be unwise, ineffective and the practice of bad medicine. Of course and by design, these same “experts” would then cash in on their “specialized expertise” since many potential patients were seeking only the “best” for their treatment.
Unfortunately, their recommendations for an en bloc capsulectomy are not based on facts, scientific studies or likely extensive experiences.
That is quite unfortunate.
In the blog “Is an En Bloc Capsulectomy the Only Appropriate Treatment for Breast Implant Illness?”, I reported on an extensive study that investigated whether or not the type of capsulectomy performed in the treatment of BII impacted the long term treatment of this issue. You can refer back to this blog for more details if you like. However, suffice it to say, the results of this prospective study conclusively showed that the type of capsulectomy performed – partial, total or en bloc – had absolutely no impact on the resolution of symptoms.
The Breast Surgery Collaborative Community Press Release
This issue of whether or not an en bloc capsulectomy is essential in the effective treatment of BII was addressed and widely publicized in a press release by the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community (BSCC) this past June (Updated: Breast Surgery Collaborative Community issues consensus statement on breast implant capsulectomy definitions and management). This collaborative is a consortium of multiple patient advocacy groups and individuals as well as reputable board certified plastic surgeons with the purpose of improving and ensuring patient safety as relates to breast surgery.
In this consensus statement, the group clearly stated that an en bloc capsulectomy is absolutely not necessary in the treatment of breast implant illness. Its only indication is for the treatment of a suspected or diagnosed implant associated cancer such as the relatively rare BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). Furthermore, it was noted that such a procedure can result in patients experiencing significant deformities as well as being susceptible to complications.
Reinforcing what I had posted in my earlier blog, the president of The Plastic Surgery Foundation and co-founder of the BSCC, stated in the press release that “It’s unfortunate, but there are surgeons who will capitalize on a patient’s trust or fear to urge them toward the more costly and riskier procedure.”
The Important Takeaway on En Bloc Capsulectomy in the Treatment of BII
Well-designed scientific research unequivocally shows that the type of capsulectomy performed in the treatment of breast implant illness does not make a difference in the ultimate outcome. An en bloc capsulectomy offers no therapeutic advantages over the alternatives of a partial or total capsulectomy but does increase the risk for greater breast deformities and complications.
The BSCC press release on this subject served to more widely disseminate this factual information for women who are seeking treatment for this issue.
Your Consultation
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with me regarding cosmetic breast surgery or other plastic surgery procedure, please give my office a call at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at (480) 451-3000 or contact us by email.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona