Capsular contracture refers to the formation of excessive scar tissue around a breast implant following breast augmentation surgery. This scar tissue can harden and compress the breast implant, causing pain as well as problems with the appearance and texture of the breast. It’s estimated that capsular contracture occurs in 5 to 8 percent of breast augmentation patients, with signs and symptoms developing up to five years after surgery. The degree of capsular contracture can range from mild to severe.
If a patient develops capsular contracture, the team at our San Mateo, CA plastic surgery center can help. Let’s go over the basics of capsular conjecture and then focus on some options for prevention and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
The most common signs and symptoms of capsular contracture include:
- Hardness of the breast implant
- Changes in breast shape
- Changes in the angle of the breast
- Sensation of tightness around the implant
- Pain or soreness in the breasts
Risk Factors for Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture tends to be more likely when the following conditions are present:
- Post-Surgical Complications - If a patient experienced an infection or a hematoma after breast augmentation surgery, she is more likely to experience capsular contracture down the road.
- Autoimmune Disease - Autoimmune diseases such as lupus tend to increase the likelihood of capsular contracture.
- Trauma to the Breasts - There is evidence to suggest that physical trauma to the breasts can increase the likelihood of capsular contracture in patients.
- Implants That Are Too Large - Patients who get implants that are too large and stretch the skin of the breasts tend to run a higher risk of developing capsular contracture.
How Surgeons Can Prevent Capsular Contracture
With proper planning and technique, plastic surgeons have a few ways of preventing capsular contracture:
- Using a Proportionate Implant - Since large implants are more likely to cause capsular contracture, using smaller and more proportionate implants can reduce the risk.
- Inframammary Incisions - Studies have found that implants placed through an inframammary incision (the crease under the breast) are less likely to develop capsular contracture.
- Submuscular Implant Placement - Placing the breast implant under the pectoral muscle rather than above it reduces the risk of infection as well as capsular contracture.
There are some studies that suggest silicone breast implants are more resistant to capsular contracture than saline breast implants, but more research needs to be done.
How Patients Can Help Prevent Capsular Contracture
Patients can help prevent capsular contracture from occurring by following their pre-op and post-op instructions. These guidelines help reduce the risk of complications and ensure patients heal fully and properly. Follow these instructions to the letter, and attend all follow up visits with your surgeon as scheduled.
Treatments for Mild Capsular Contracture
If patients begin to develop capsular contracture, there are non-surgical treatments that can help prevent the condition from getting worse. Proper breast massage, ultrasound therapy, and the use of leukotriene pathway inhibitors such as Accolate can soften the scar tissue and help improve breast shape.
Surgery to Correct Capsular Contracture
If a patient develops severe capsular contracture and the above therapies are ineffective, a capsulectomy will be necessary. The surgery will involve the removal of the breast implant and capsule of scar tissue. The old breast implant is replaced and repositioned to prevent the condition from developing again.
Learn More about Cosmetic Breast Surgery
For more information about breast augmentation surgery and how it can enhance your curves, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. John R. Griffin and his team look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in person.
