Capsular Contracture Treatment

One of the complications from breast augmentation is capsular contracture or capsular contraction, a condition that results in distorted and sometimes even painful hard breasts. A capsule is the normal tissue that the body produces around the breast implant, usually it is pretty thin, sometimes almost transparent. The capsule is larger than the implant allowing them both to move around and feel soft. In capsular contracture, the capsule becomes thicker and tighter which makes the space for the implant smaller and smaller. Some Signs of capsular contracture can be the implant rising to a higher position on the chest or the breast looking oddly constricted and artificially round like a baseball. The capsule can get so small that the implant feels firm (grade3) or can even feel hard and be painful (grade4).

WHAT CAUSES CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE?

Capsular contracture is caused by anything that leads to inflammation of the capsule, making it thick and tight. The cause of capsular contraction is different from patient to patient and may be the result of several contributing factors. Common reasons include trauma or bleeding around the implant from the surgery, bacterial infection and bio-films (a film of cells, that grow on inert surfaces), ruptured silicone or remnants of silicone from an old rapture or patient reactivity to a foreign body.

Imagine the capsule as a net that contracts and tightens. These net shrinks to the same size as the implant trapping the implant so that it can no longer move within the net and it becomes hard and immobile.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTION IS GRADED WITH THE BAKER SCALE: 

• Grade I –  the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape
• Grade II – the breast is a little firm, but appears normal
• Grade III – the breast is firm and appears abnormal
• Grade IV – the breast is hard, painful to the touch and appears abnormal

Preventing capsular contracture from reoccurring is very important. Our doctors in the Plasis Clinic have created a plan to help prevent recurrence of capsular contracture.  If you think you are experiencing capsular contracture symptoms, your first step is to contact our Clinic. We will provide you with the most appropriate treatment so you resolve definitely your problem the best way possible.

YOUR CONSULTATION

Striving to provide the best reconstruction or revision breast surgery, Dr. Tzamantaki’s consultation is a turning point for every patient’s journey. After learning about the patient’s personal goal, she then reviews her “aesthetic profile”, gathering anatomical information to determine the best course of action. Afterwards, she will map out a comprehensive treatment plan. At this stage of the consultation the full reality sets in that something can be done about her cosmetic issues. It is an exciting time for both doctor and patient.

While independent research is helpful for educational purposes, it will never be fully related you and your capsular contracture problem. During a consultation with our expert breast team, your breast revision and reconstruction surgery education goes beyond general information and becomes a personalized experience. Our team of surgeons is known for proposing to you the best option for achieving your desire aesthetic results.