What is a Breast Implant Capsulectomy and Do I Need One?
Updated: September 2026
Reviewed by Dr Daniel Fleming, Medical Director at MINKST – 25+ years of cosmetic surgery experience, 6,000+ breast procedures performed
A breast implant capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the fibrous capsule that forms around all breast implants. Normally, you are not aware of the capsule – it is a thin, pliable membrane made from your own collagen and tissues and cannot be seen or felt.
Reasons for a Capsulectomy or Partial Capsulectomy
- Capsular Contracture: The most common complication of breast implant surgery. Sometimes, capsules behave like shrink wrap, compressing the implant, making it feel firm or even hard. This can distort the implant’s shape and cause discomfort. If severe enough, surgery is needed to correct it.The risk of capsular contracture happening again is minimised if after the surgery the implant is not in contact with the old, contracted capsule. This is achieved either by creating a new pocket for the implant and leaving the old capsule in place, or by removing the capsule with a capsulectomy. Once an implant is removed from a contracted capsule, there is no tension and the capsule becomes soft and unnoticeable again. Both methods can be effective, and your doctor will advise which is best based on your specific circumstances.
- Implant Revision: During surgeries to replace or adjust implants, capsulectomy or partial capsulectomy may be performed to adjust the shape and reinforce the implant pocket.
- Breast Implant Removal (Explant): In cases where a person wants their breast implants removed it is not usually desirable or necessary to perform a capsulectomy. Removal of the implants and leaving the capsules (which are your own tissue) is simpler, safer and cheaper and typically gives a better result. Once the implants are removed, the remaining capsules are not noticeable. A capsulectomy may be needed with implant removal, but if this is recommended for you, make sure you are not being upsold and exposed to extra risk and expense unless there is a specific reason. If you are not clear that there is an important extra benefit to be gained from a capsulectomy as opposed to simple removal, get a second opinion.
- Calcification of a Capsule: In rare cases, a ruptured implant left for many years can cause the capsule to become calcified (think egg shells), requiring removal.
- BIA-ALCL: This very rare type of cancer associated with breast implants is typically cured by implant removal and capsulectomy.
BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is associated primarily with certain textured implants. Although very rare, it is important to know the signs – most commonly persistent swelling or fluid around an implant, occurring more than one year after surgery. If you have any such symptoms, see your doctor promptly. Early detection and treatment (which typically involves implant removal and capsulectomy) leads to good outcomes in the vast majority of cases.
Risks of Capsulectomy
Capsulectomy can be a challenging procedure, especially if the implant is under the pectoral muscle. It carries risks such as bleeding and thinning of surrounding tissues.
If a good result can be achieved without removing the capsule, it is generally preferable to avoid a capsulectomy to minimise risks. Sometimes, again especially when the implant under the muscle, a partial removal of the capsule is performed to minimise risks while still getting the benefits of capsulectomy.
Do I Need a Capsulectomy?
Capsulectomy should be avoided unless clearly necessary. If appropriate, opt for a partial capsulectomy. However, if your situation requires a full capsulectomy, be aware that avoiding it usually does not result in a good outcome.
Consult with a qualified and experienced doctor who can evaluate your condition. Discuss your symptoms, goals, and treatment options. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the treatment recommended so you can be confident you are receiving the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Questions about breast revision or breast implant removal with capsulectomy?
Get in touchFrequently Asked Questions
Yes - capsule formation is a normal biological response to any foreign material in the body. Every breast implant develops a fibrous capsule of collagen around it. In most patients, this capsule remains thin, soft and completely unnoticeable. It is only in some cases that the capsule behaves abnormally, becoming thickened and contracted (capsular contracture), calcified, or otherwise problematic.
Capsular contracture occurs when the fibrous capsule around a breast implant tightens and hardens, compressing the implant. Mild cases may cause a firmer feel; more severe cases can cause pain, distortion of shape and visible asymmetry. Treatment depends on severity. Options include creating a new pocket for the implant (leaving the capsule), removing the capsule (capsulectomy), or a partial capsulectomy. Your doctor will advise which approach is most appropriate for your specific situation.
Not routinely - and MINKST's guidance is clear on this point. Simply removing the implant and leaving the capsule (which is your own tissue) is generally simpler, safer, cheaper and produces a better result. The capsule is not noticeable once the implant is removed. A capsulectomy may be recommended in specific circumstances, but if it is suggested for you, it is worth asking for a clear clinical reason and, if you're uncertain, seeking a second opinion.
A partial capsulectomy involves removing only part of the fibrous capsule, rather than the entire capsule. It is sometimes used to achieve the clinical benefit of a capsulectomy - such as reducing the risk of capsular contracture recurring - while minimising the risk of complications. It is particularly used when the implant is positioned under the pectoral muscle, where a full capsulectomy carries a higher risk of bleeding and tissue thinning.
Symptoms that may indicate a capsulectomy is needed include: significant hardening or firmness of the breast, pain or discomfort around the implant, visible change in breast shape or implant position, or a persistent fluid collection around the implant (particularly if it develops more than a year after surgery, which can be a sign of BIA-ALCL). If you notice any of these, consult your doctor promptly.