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Have you noticed discomfort, tightness, or hardness around your breast implants after surgery? This is all associated with post-surgical scar tissue. When the tissue exceeds normal levels or becomes hardened, it could result in complications, such as capsular contracture. The good news is that there is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment that is ultrasound treatment for capsular contracture.
In this post, we will discuss how ultrasound therapy works, who it helps, and what makes it a viable and safe treatment option. Let’s find out what makes it a good option for many of your patients’ recovery post-surgery for breast surgery.
What Is Post-Operative Scar Tissue?
Scar tissue is the body’s natural reaction to healing. After surgery, fibrous tissue forms around the area in question. If this occurs around breast implants, it can cause discomfort, stiffness, or a change in breast shape.
In some cases, this leads the body to develop capsular contracture, a condition in which the tissue tightens excessively around the implant. This can make the breast feel firm or distort its appearance. Untreated capsular contracture will require a corrective surgical procedure. Ultrasound therapy for post-surgical scar tissue can help.
How to Reduce Breast Implant Scar Tissue with Ultrasound?
Ultrasound treatment for capsular contracture employs sound waves to penetrate deeper tissues without breaking the skin. These waves generate heat and a gentle vibration, which:
- Soften tight, fibrous scar tissue
- Enhance circulation
- Support the healing process
In recovery from breast surgery, ultrasound therapy can reduce tightness around breast implants in the event of capsular contracture, support flexibility, and create relief of pain, softening over time, and positively affecting the position of the implant.
Ultrasound Therapy for Capsular Contracture: Is it Effective?
Ultrasound therapy for capsular contraction may be a good option for patients experiencing early signs of capsular contracture. It may halt or reverse the hardening of tissue before surgery. Treatment for capsular contracture may include ultrasound in combination with:
- Massage
- Stretching
- Physical modalities
Combining these treatments is most effective when combined. All modalities are best when started in the early stages of the healing process or as soon as a mild contracture is noted. Patients looking for a non-surgical option often choose physical therapy ultrasound for capsular contracture before considering surgical options.
Advantages of Ultrasound Therapy for Breast Implant Recovery
Ultrasound therapy for capsular contracture is often favored by patients because it:
- Doesn’t require surgical procedures or incisions
- Has very few side effects
- Increases circulation and oxygen delivery
- Improves comfort and mobility
- Helps recapture natural breast softening
Ultrasound therapy for breast implant recovery assists with healing and decreases the likelihood of significant thick and dense scar tissue forming.
Who Should Think About Using Ultrasound Therapy?
To simplify things, this is the typical scenario a patient experiences, and reasons that Ultrasound Therapy can be helpful:
| Patient Scenario | Why Ultrasound Therapy is Helpful |
| Recent breast augmentation surgery with mild tightness | Early intervention can assist in softening and forming scar tissue |
| History of capsular contracture with breast implants | Decreases the possible excessive capsule forming and can delay or prevent further development |
| Does not want to have surgical procedures | Non-surgical treatment with lots of other therapies |
| Have mild pain or hardness post-surgery | Assists in pulling down fibrous tissue and alleviating discomfort |
| Preparation for corrective breast implant procedures | Will assist in loosening tissue and improving surgical outcomes for future procedures |
What is Involved in an Ultrasound Therapy Visit?
Generally, the treatment is quick and painless. The therapist will place gel on the area that is being treated and move a device over the skin. The sound waves will penetrate deep to soften scar tissue below.
- A session lasts 15 – 30 minutes
- Usually a few times per week
- There is no downtime; you may return to your daily tasks right away
For the best results, the ultrasound for capsular contracture is usually combined with other treatments, such as massage.
Capsular Contracture Results from Ultrasound Therapy
Capsular contracture ultrasound therapy results differ by patient, but many report:
- Reduction of tightness
- Pain relief
- Improved positioning of the implant
Consistency is critical, and most patients have noticeable improvements after the third or fourth session. Capsular contracture ultrasound therapy results have been promising, especially for early-stage capsular contractures. In later-stage capsular contracture cases, ultrasound may prepare the area before a revision surgery and increase the tensile strength of the capsule for improved outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Scar tissue after surgery can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of your implants. You don’t have to continue living in discomfort. Ultrasound therapy for post-operative scar tissue provides a safe, gentle, and effective method for addressing your problem.
Whether you are recovering from surgery or dealing with early capsular contracture, ultrasound therapy may allow you to recover comfortably. If you feel ready to take that step in a renewed healing and confidence journey, talk to a certified provider in ultrasound therapy today.
FAQs
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Is ultrasound therapy safe for scar tissue from breast implants?
Ans. Yes. Ultrasound therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that does not damage breast implants. Ultrasound therapy is a common treatment offered by trained professionals to help with soft tissue healing.
How many ultrasound sessions will you need?
Ans. Most patients will require between 6 and 12 ultrasound therapy sessions. The frequency and total number of treatment sessions depend on the severity of the scar tissue and how your body responds to the treatment.
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Is it possible to utilize ultrasound therapy in place of surgery for capsular contracture?
Ans. In early or mild cases, the answer is yes; it may also postpone or avert surgery. Severe cases will likely still require surgical intervention.
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How does it feel to have an ultrasound therapy session?
Ans. It feels as if you are experiencing a warm, gentle massage; most patients report this treatment as being completely relaxing and painless during the treatment.
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When should you begin ultrasound therapy after surgery?
Ans. With your surgeon’s approval, you can begin as soon as two weeks after your surgery. Early intervention generally results in better outcomes and fewer complications.
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Does it help with old scar tissue?
Ans. Yes. Ultrasound is useful at any time. Early intervention is preferred, but ultrasound can still improve the flexibility and comfort of old scar tissue.
7. Will insurance cover your ultrasound treatment for capsular contraction?
Ans. Typically, it is not covered by insurance. It is considered an elective treatment or a preventative treatment. Costs do vary, so it is best to check with your provider.
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Can you combine this with any other therapies?
Ans. Yes, it is frequently used with massage therapy, physical therapy, or manual lymphatic drainage to improve outcomes.