Prevention and Treatment of Capsular Contracture

One of the possible consequences of cosmetic surgery, particularly breast augmentation, is the risk of the formation of scar tissue. When breast implants are placed, scar tissue may form around the implant. This response of the immune system is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is characterized by the production of a collagen-fiber-capsule at the site of one or more of the implants. These capsules can be up to a centimeter in thickness. The tightly-woven capsules, once formed, then contract and squeeze the implants.

Severity of Capsular Contracture

There is a four-grade scale, called the Baker Scale, which categorizes levels of severity; some of the symptoms of capsular contracture include rigidness of the surrounding breast tissue tissue, misshapenness or displacement of one or more of the implants, swelling, and pain. It can take years for symptoms to arise. Possible causes are bacterial infection, excess bleeding, or leakage of saline or silicone from the implant into the patient’s body.

Prevention of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture can affect the look and feel of the breasts. There are some ways to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, including:

Massage: Regular breast massage after the placement of breast implants may reduce the risk of capsular contracture.

Under the muscle placement: Patients who have had their implants placed completely or partially beneath the breast muscle have been shown to be less likely to develop capsular contracture.

Saline implants: Saline implants are associated with a reduced risk of capsular contracture when compared to silicone gel implants.

Compression or surgical bras: The use of compression bras may inhibit the formation of scar tissue by compressing the skin against the underlying tissue.

Antibiotics: Less handling of the implants prior to surgery and the use of antibiotics can reduce the risk of infection, which may increase the risk of capsular contracture.

Treatment of Capsular Contracture

Many patients who develop capsular contracture opt to have their implants removed and replaced. The most common surgical technique for implant removal involves the creation of an incision along the crease of the breast. This gives surgeons access to the implant and the collagen capsule that surrounds the implant. The implant is removed, and then a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is performed. A capsulotomy involves incisions in the capsule to open it a reduce tightness; a capsulectomy involves complete removal of the capsule.

Most reconstructive surgeons can provide replacement of the implant if that complies with the patient’s wishes. At this time, patients may opt for a different sized implant, an implant filled with a different material, or an implant with more or less projection.

Choosing a Breast Implant Revision Surgeon

Before undergoing breast implant revision surgery to correct capsular contracture, patients should choose a qualified surgeon. If the doctor who performed your previous breast augmentation is still in practice, and you were satisfied with your initial results, it might be advisable to return to your old doctor.

An important thing to keep in mind is that capsular contracture is not necessarily the result of bad technique or surgeon inexperience. It is an unpredictable bodily response and reoccurs in some patients. To schedule a breast implant revision consultation, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery.