Question: What is capsulectomy? Dr. Lawrence Shaw: A capsulectomy is the actual removal of scar tissue that abnormally collects around breast implants after augmentation. There's normal lining called the capsule that develops after augmentation, and if this capsule stays enlarged there's never a problem and the implant freely flows throughout the implant pocket. However, sometimes the capsule itself can shrink wrap and that shrink wrapping cause the implant to feel firmer or look higher or have an abnormal shape. A capsulectomy therefore is just the actual incision and removal of that scar tissue.