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En bloc capsulectomy removes the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule together as one intact unit. The capsule is not breached, preventing silicone, bacteria, or inflammatory particles from entering surrounding tissue. This technique supports long term safety for patients with breast implant illness or textured implants.
En bloc capsulectomy is widely considered the gold standard because the implant and capsule are removed as a closed system. This technique aligns with the Khan Procedure, a standardized method developed to ensure complete capsule removal, full laboratory analysis, and high-definition surgical documentation.
Complete Removal
100/ 100/ 0 Method
100% of the capsule and implant are removed, 100% of the capsule tissue is sent to pathology and microbiology, and 0% of the capsule is left behind.
Laboratory Verification
Samples undergo CD30 pathology, a marker used to evaluate for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal cultures to assess for infection.
No Drain Technique
Designed to support comfort and reduce postoperative concerns.
High Definition Documentation
Photos of the implant, capsule, and chest wall verify complete removal.
Some symptoms suggest that the implant and capsule may be contributing to localized or systemic concerns.
Symptom Indicators
Complete implant removal may be appropriate when clinical findings confirm that the implant and capsule are contributing to structural or inflammatory concerns.
Everything you need to know before your en bloc capsulectomy, from what the procedure involves to how to prepare and recover.
En bloc capsulectomy is widely considered the gold standard in breast implant removal — a technique that extracts the implant and its surrounding scar tissue capsule together, in one intact piece, without ever breaching the capsule wall. Dr. Khan is a breast implant illness advocate and explant specialist who develops a personalized en bloc surgery plan for every patient. Schedule your consultation in Bloomfield Township today.
When a breast implant is placed, your body develops scar tissues that surround the implant, forming a capsule of scar tissues. Some breast implant removal techniques only focus on removing the implant (not the scar tissues), and some techniques break the capsule to remove the implant and scar tissues in pieces. En bloc capsulectomy removes the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissues in one piece.
This form of en bloc breast implant removal is especially important for women suffering from breast implant illness (BII). It’s also the preferred option for patients with textured implants, since the interaction between textured implant surfaces and the surrounding capsule is a contributory factor to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Because the entire implant and capsule are removed as a closed unit during en bloc capsulectomy surgery, the risk of silicone, bacteria, or inflammatory particles spilling into surrounding tissue is eliminated.
Women may undergo breast implant removal for numerous reasons — aesthetic, personal, and medical reasons. Breast implants have a lifespan of about 10 years, following which they must be removed. The lifespan can also be cut short by numerous complications, and you may also suffer the symptoms of breast implant illness, a medical condition that leads to wide-ranging systemic health problems.
Breast implant removal can be performed using numerous techniques. Some surgeons use a “straightforward” technique without additional steps — this is a fairly dangerous technique only used by surgeons who don’t believe in breast implant illness. The standard techniques for breast implant removal are total capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy because they remove the entire breast implant and the surrounding scar tissues.
While both total capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy are effective, en bloc is widely considered the gold standard technique in breast implant removal. Dr. Khan is an explant specialist who primarily offers the en bloc capsulectomy procedure to remove the entire breast implant capsule and surrounding scar tissues at once. He’s committed to helping you recover your health and confidence.
Dr. Khan recommends breast implant removal for patients suffering from complications related to breast implants, those with symptoms of breast implant illness, or those who want to remove breast implants for aesthetic or personal reasons. However, whether you’re a good candidate for en bloc capsulectomy or a total capsulectomy will be determined after a thorough evaluation. Generally speaking, en bloc capsulectomy is suitable for removing old silicone gel implants or textured implants and for women experiencing the symptoms of BII or BIA-ALCL.
During your consultation, Dr. Shaher Khan will go over the breast implant removal options that are best for you. He will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, understand your concerns and lifestyle, and weigh the pros and cons of each technique to curate a personalized treatment plan. You may need an en bloc capsulectomy, if you have total capsulectomy, or both.
You can expect a casual and enjoyable conversation with Dr. Khan, followed by an initial exam and advice from the doctor. Please feel free to ask any questions and clarify all your doubts and concerns. Dr. Khan wants you to have complete clarity about your options so you feel emotionally comfortable throughout the breast implant removal journey.
In preparation for surgery, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and remember not to allow any anxiety about undergoing surgery to cause your body stress. Try to think positively and remain emotionally and physically healthy before surgery. Your exact preparatory steps will be specific to your needs, and Dr. Khan will go over what is best for you.
You must also inform your doctor of all underlying medical conditions, symptoms, and ongoing medications, especially if those medications have blood-thinning effects. Your doctor must have a comprehensive understanding of your health and medications to curate a personalized treatment plan that ensures optimal safety and results.
Dr. Khan offers outpatient breast implant removal surgery at his state-of-the-art, private, QUAD A-certified surgery center to ensure the highest standards of safety and surgical care. QUAD A sets the gold standard in accreditation, so you can rest assured that your en bloc capsulectomy will occur in one of the country’s leading medical facilities.
The en bloc capsulectomy procedure starts with a small incision along the fold on the underside of the breast, known as the inframammary fold. The incision will be long enough to remove the entire implant and capsule but not long enough to extend past the inframammary fold. Dr. Khan will separate the scar tissue capsule with the implant from the natural breast tissues and extract it carefully.
Once the scar tissue capsule has been dissected completely, the surgeon will remove it through the incision in one piece. Dr. Khan always removes the capsule and scar tissue completely to ensure the health of the patient. Finally, the surgeon for your en bloc capsulectomy will clean the breast implant pocket and close the incisions.
During recovery, you will be prescribed medications to mitigate pain. You will also be instructed to rest for a given period. That time could be as much as a few weeks or as little as a few days, depending on numerous factors. You will need someone with you for at least a few days. Be sure to find a reliable and responsible friend or loved one to be there the day of.
The doctor will provide thorough post-operative instructions. Some patients find it helpful to wear a support bra during the first few weeks after the surgery. The doctor and nurses will go over all the details. You must follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of major side effects or complications.
After your en bloc capsulectomy, your breast profile may look less buoyant and have some irregularities. This depends on how much scar tissue you have. Dr. Khan can also discuss autologous treatment options to reconstruct your breasts and improve the aesthetic appearance using natural tissues drawn from your body. Our primary concern is whether the patient is experiencing the best possible quality of life.
Patients scheduled for En Bloc Capsulectomy must wear compression stockings to aid in circulation and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications.
Thank you for prioritizing your recovery with this essential step.
Dr. Shaher Khan is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized training in en bloc capsulectomy. He is also a firm advocate of women with symptoms of breast implant illness, a very real medical condition that leads to numerous systemic health concerns because of implants. Dr. Khan firmly avoids implant procedures and specializes in explant procedures. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Khan to explore your breast implant removal options.
Your journey back to health and confidence starts here. Schedule a private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Khan to discuss your symptoms, learn about The Khan Procedure™, and receive a clear, honest plan for your care.
