Understanding Explant & Capsulectomy Terminology

The basics

• Explant — removal of a breast implant.
• Capsule — the layer of scar tissue the body naturally forms around any implant.
• Capsulectomy — surgery to remove some or all of that capsule.

Types of capsulectomy

• Partial (subtotal) capsulectomy — part of the capsule is removed.
• Total capsulectomy — the whole capsule is removed (it may come out in more than one piece).
• Total intact (“en bloc”) capsulectomy — the capsule is removed in one piece with the implant still inside it, without opening the capsule. “En bloc” is a surgical term used especially in cancer (oncologic) situations; whether it is appropriate depends on the clinical situation and is a decision for you and your surgeon.

Rupture terms

• Rupture — a tear or hole in the implant shell.
• Intracapsular rupture — silicone stays contained within the capsule.
• Extracapsular rupture — silicone has moved beyond the capsule. Silicone rupture is often “silent,” which is why the FDA recommends imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to screen for it.

An important note

You may read strong claims online about which removal approach is “required.” Major sources do not establish that complete capsule removal or an en bloc approach is universally required for breast implant illness. The right approach depends on your situation and is a conversation between you and a qualified surgeon.