Is a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy Painful?

For the first few days, you will likely feel a bit sore or experience some pressure around your chest area. Swelling and mild bruising are also common during the early stages of healing. Dr. Kachare uses meticulous techniques to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues, which helps reduce post-operative pain and speeds up recovery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

It all starts with your consultation with Dr. Kachare, where he will determine whether a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is right for you. If you decide to proceed, you’ll come in for a pre-operative visit to review your surgical plan, go over instructions, and ensure you’re fully prepared. After surgery, you’ll return for at least one or two follow-up appointments so Dr. Kachare can monitor your healing and ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice an immediate difference in how your breasts look and feel after surgery—especially if you were dealing with tightness, distortion, or discomfort from capsular contracture. However, it can take a few weeks for the swelling to go down and for your final results to settle in fully. Most patients begin seeing their new shape take form within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over the next couple of months.

Can I Combine a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy With Other Procedures?

Yes, in many cases, a breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy can be combined with other procedures to enhance the overall outcome. Common combinations include breast implant replacement , breast lifts, or even liposuction for body contouring. Dr. Kachare, our triple board-certified plastic surgeon, will discuss your options during your consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy?

There are some risks involved with a breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy, such as bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, scar tissue reforming, implant rupture, and anesthesia-related complications.

Greenville, NC

Breast Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy

Introduction

Introduction to Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy

If you’ve had breast implants and are now noticing tightness, hardening, or changes in breast shape, you may be experiencing capsular contracture.

Breast capsulotomy and capsulectomy are designed to release or remove this problematic scar tissue, restoring a softer, more natural contour and often relieving discomfort.

At Kachare Plastic Surgery in Greenville, NC, Dr. Swapnil Kachare, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, takes a thoughtful, customized approach to these corrective surgeries, helping patients regain both confidence and comfort with results that feel more like you.

What is a Breast Capsulotomy?

A breast capsulotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat capsular contracture, a condition where the scar tissue around a breast implant becomes too tight, causing pain or distortion of the breast shape.

During a capsulotomy, Dr. Kachare makes a small incision to release or cut the scar tissue, alleviating any discomfort.

Breast Capsulectomy

A breast capsulectomy is a more extensive surgery where the scar tissue is completely removed.

Dr. Kachare may also perform a capsulectomy in chronic pain or implant displacement cases, helping to create a smoother, more comfortable chest.

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What Are the Benefits of a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy?

A breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy can help relieve discomfort, restore a more natural appearance to the breasts, and correct implant-related issues like firmness, pain, or asymmetry.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy?

The ideal candidates for these procedures are those who have experienced capsular contracture, breast pain, or visible deformities due to scar tissue.

Even if you’ve just had breast implants for some time and are dealing with symptoms like hardness, distortion, or shifting of the implants, a breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy could be right for you as well.

A consultation with Dr. Kachare is the best way to determine the procedure for your specific situation.

What’s the first step

The first step toward a successful breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kachare in Greenville, NC.

During this, he will assess your breast health, listen to your concerns, and discuss your goals. Dr. Kachare will evaluate whether a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is right for you based on the severity of your condition and your aesthetic preferences. After this detailed discussion, he will guide you through the process, answer any questions you have, and provide a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Capsulotomy or Capsulectomy Surgery

During a capsulotomy, Dr. Kachare will make a small incision along your original scar or around the areola to carefully release the tight capsule surrounding the implant without removing it entirely. This will help restore your breast to a more natural shape and feel.

In a capsulectomy, Dr. Kachare would remove the entire capsule of scar tissue, which could involve a partial or total excision depending on the severity of your contracture and anatomy.

If you’re also having implants replaced, the new implants will be placed at this time, and Dr. Kachare will make any necessary adjustments.
The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures.

Breast Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy Recovery

Most of our patients have reported feeling some mild to moderate swelling, tightness, and discomfort after the first few days but were able to manage their pain with prescribed medication and plenty of rest.

You’ll also be expected to wear a supportive surgical bra to reduce any swelling and support your new shape as your body heals.

Light activity can usually be resumed within a week, but it’s best to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and raising your arms above shoulder level for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Kachare will monitor your progress through follow-up visits and let you know when it’s safe to ease back into your routine.

How Much Does a Breast Capsulotomy/ Capsulectomy Cost in Greenville, NC?

The cost of a breast capsulotomy or capsulectomy in Greenville, NC is highly customizable as the pricing will be dependent on the individual surgical plan, whether one or both breasts are being treated and if there’s a need for implant replacement.

Because each case is unique, Dr. Kachare will provide a personalized quote after your consultation so you’ll clearly understand what’s included.

Why Choose Dr. Kachare?

Dr. Swapnil Kachare is a triple board-certified surgeon specializing in Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, and Hand Surgery, known for delivering advanced, tailored results with exceptional precision.

His medical journey began at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned his medical degree. He completed his general surgery residency at ECU Health Medical Center and continued to hone his expertise with a plastic surgery residency at the University of Louisville.

Dr. Kachare’s dedication to excellence led him to pursue prestigious fellowships in hand, upper extremity, and microsurgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by advanced training in adult reconstructive and aesthetic craniomaxillofacial surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

At Kachare Plastic Surgery in Greenville, NC, he offers a refined, detail-focused approach—blending surgical mastery with an artistic eye to help each patient look and feel their best.

Breast Capsulotomy/Capsulectomy FAQ’S

It all starts with your consultation with Dr. Kachare, where he will determine whether a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is right for you.

If you decide to proceed, you’ll come in for a pre-operative visit to review your surgical plan, go over instructions, and ensure you’re fully prepared. After surgery, you’ll return for at least one or two follow-up appointments so Dr. Kachare can monitor your healing and ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
You’ll notice an immediate difference in how your breasts look and feel after surgery—especially if you were dealing with tightness, distortion, or discomfort from capsular contracture. However, it can take a few weeks for the swelling to go down and for your final results to settle in fully. Most patients begin seeing their new shape take form within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over the next couple of months.

Schedule Your Consultation

If your breast implants are changing, it may be time to explore your options. The best way to get clear answers and expert guidance is to have a personalized consultation with Dr. Kachare, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon at Kachare Plastic Surgery in Greenville, NC.

Don’t wait to feel like yourself again—contact us today to schedule your private consultation and take the first step toward restoring your natural shape and peace of mind.

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