‍As with any foreign object, the body may react strongly to breast implants. This reaction may manifest itself as pain, fatigue, skin changes, mental changes, autoimmune diseases and many other symptoms. These symptoms can be present even without laboratory abnormalities. Also, symptoms may develop relatively early on after breast implant placement or delayed many years after implant-based surgery. 

‍Consultations are comprehensive and will typically last 30-45 minutes. There will be an option to view before and after pictures if desired.

‍When using your medical insurance enbloc capsulectomy consultations will be billed per your policy.  Dr. DeWolfe does not charge a fee for cosmetic enbloc capsulectomy consultations.

‍Dr. DeWolfe will take videos and photos demonstrating the 100% removal of all capsules in an enbloc fashion. Dr. DeWolfe guarantees a complete enbloc capsulectomy for every patient.

‍It is the complete removal of an intact capsule with the implant inside the capsule.

‍Never.

‍Dr. DeWolfe has performed well over 1,000 enbloc capsulectomies.  He typically performs 2-3 per week.

‍Yes, if you would like to keep your implants they will be returned to you after surgery.

‍Dr. DeWolfe will make recommendations to ensure the best cosmetic outcome. Because implants often stretch the breast skin, failure to perform a lift may result in a cosmetic deformity. However, the decision to have a lift is solely the choice of the patient.  Dr. DeWolfe is an expert in post enbloc capsulectomy breast lift surgery.  Auto-augmentation conserves one's own breast tissue to improve breast shape without the use of an implant.  The ability to restore the breast shape and provide a foundation to the nipple is critical to ensure a beautiful breast result.  Dr. DeWolfe has performed this surgery safely at the time of enbloc capsulectomy hundreds of times. 

‍Yes, however fat grafting has its own set of risks. Dr. DeWolfe will go over these risks during your consultation on a case by case basis.

‍Sending the removed capsules to pathology is an option for all patients if desired. It has been our experience that when the capsules are clinically normal (i.e. no fluid, no double capsule, no nodularity) then the likelihood of having an abnormal finding by pathology is very low.  When this is the case, most patients elect to not send the capsules to pathology. If you specifically request the capsule to be sent to pathology regardless of exam Dr. DeWolfe will send the capsules for analysis. The pathologists Dr. DeWolfe uses are very accomplished and competent in diagnosing all capsule-related disease processes, including BIA-ALCL.  Additional fees may be required for pathology services and will be discussed at your consultation.

‍In our experience, a vast majority of women demonstrate a significant improvement of symptoms following an enbloc capsulectomy. The degree of response is very individual. The most important factor in symptom relief is to have a true enbloc capsulectomy performed. 

‍Yes, drains are placed in all enbloc capsulectomy cases to avoid post operative complications. The drains usually will remain in place for 1-2 weeks following your surgery.

‍Yes, Dr. DeWolfe accepts most medical insurances. However, because breast implant illness is not formally recognized as a diagnosis by most insurance companies coverage is often difficult.  While some patients have been approved for a medically covered enbloc capsulectomy but it is not routine. We will work diligently with you to help you understand the financial implication while working with you through the approval process. 

‍Yes, we accept CareCredit as a financing option.

‍Dr. DeWolfe currently performs all surgery in a hospital setting. He believes a hospital, rather than a surgery center, affords our patients the very best care with a priority on safety.

‍Recovery is very individual, but most patients recover from surgery in 2-4 weeks. Resumption of all activities is permitted at 6 weeks, including exercise and swimming.  As with any operation healing is gradual and some patients may benefit from physical therapy to expedite recovery. 

‍Dr. DeWolfe’s surgical techniques help to minimize all surgical risks.  However, the risks of enbloc capsulectomy include:
Bleeding; Seroma Formation; Changes in Nipple Sensation/Nipple Loss; Poor Scarring; Breast Asymmetry; Pneumothorax

‍A nerve block is the injection of a long-acting anesthetic administered under ultrasound. The pain relief often lasts for the first 24 hours.  Nerve blocks are available to our patients and recommended. 

‍Dr. DeWolfe performs a pectoralis muscle repair to restore the anatomy of the chest wall in all patients.

‍Patients are typically seen one week after surgery.  Most drains are removed in 7-14 days. Subsequent follow up will occur at 2 months and 6 months to ensure a successful recovery.  Virtual visits are also available for convenience.

‍Incisions should be left to heal on their own for the first 2-3 weeks after surgery.  Once the surgical tapes are removed, massage with natural products is recommended to optimize scar formation.  Scar massage should be performed 2-3 times daily for 5 minutes and for approximately 4-6 months after surgery.  Scars will go through many changes during the first year following surgery.  If desired, laser therapy and microneedling treatments are available to optimize scar appearance.  

‍Dr. DeWolfe provides consultations for enbloc capsulectomy at two convenient locations.  He also provides virtual consultations when desired.
Oakbrook Terrace: Mondays & Thursdays
Chicago: Mondays & every other Saturday & Sunday