A reference glossary of terms you'll hear during consultation, in pathology reports, and in your post-op discussions.
Manufacturer of Biocell textured implants, subject to 2019 voluntary recall due to BIA-ALCL risk.
A rare type of T-cell lymphoma. The breast implant-associated form (BIA-ALCL) develops in the capsule around the implant.
The front portion of the scar tissue capsule surrounding an implant.
Grading system for capsular contracture: Grade I (soft, normal) through Grade IV (hard, painful, distorted).
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Rare cancer occurring in scar capsule of textured implants.
Cluster of systemic symptoms some women report attributed to implants. Mechanism debated; symptoms real.
Allergan's textured implant surface technology, recalled 2019.
Scar tissue layer the body forms around any breast implant.
Surgical removal of the capsule.
Surgical tightening of the capsule (used in revision when keeping implants).
Cutting the capsule open without removing it (used to relieve contracture).
Tightening of the capsule causing distortion, hardness, or pain. Graded by Baker classification.
Modern silicone gel implants with a more solid, form-stable consistency.
Light anesthesia with patient breathing independently. Not typically used for explant.
Soft tube placed under skin to collect fluid post-op. Usually removed 5-7 days after explant.
Two distinct capsule layers around an implant. Associated with some textured implants.
Removal of implant and entire capsule as one intact unit, without opening the capsule.
Silicone gel has migrated beyond the capsule into surrounding tissue.
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons — surgical competency credential.
Use of patient's own fat to add volume. After explant, can restore modest volume.
Fellow of the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Crease where breast meets chest. Common incision location.
Silicone gel has leaked but remains contained within the capsule.
Breast lift. Reshapes and elevates breast tissue and nipple position.
Major breast implant manufacturer (Johnson & Johnson).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. FDA-recommended for silicone implant rupture screening.
Chest muscle. Implants may be placed under (submuscular) or over (subglandular) this muscle.
Around the areola. A mastopexy incision pattern.
Implants with polyurethane foam coating. Used historically; some still available.
Implant placement above the pectoralis muscle (subglandular).
Secondary breast surgery to address concerns from previous procedure.
Failure of implant shell allowing contents to leak.
Implant filled with sterile salt water solution. Detectable rupture (deflation).
Fluid collection in surgical pocket. Common, usually managed by drainage.
Implant filled with silicone gel. Modern versions are cohesive; older versions were more liquid.
Trial implant used during surgery to assess fit before placing final implant.
Adhesive strips placed over incisions to support healing.
Implant placement under the pectoralis major muscle.
Implant placement above the pectoralis muscle, under the breast tissue.
Implant with rough surface texture. Associated with BIA-ALCL risk; many removed from market.
Removal of entire capsule. May involve opening capsule during removal (not en-bloc).
Imaging modality. Used for implant rupture screening alongside MRI.
Turkish International Health Services. Health tourism authorization authority under Ministry of Health.
Filling port on saline implants. Site of potential failure.