Explore the Causes, Symptoms, and More of Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

Among a plethora of cosmetic surgeries, breast augmentation hits the chart of popularity every year. This surgery is among those that can make you feel beautiful and confident about yourself, overcoming your insecurities. But, as no treatment comes risk-free, this treatment too doesn’t. It may have complications, but at least with proper treatment and diagnosis, you can get rid of the breast implant capsular contracture. But before this, you should know in detail about the capsular contracture of breast implant.

Let us dwell on the bits and pieces of capsular contracture breast implants.

Everything to Know About Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

Breast surgery is a process that involves the implantation of an external layer inside your breast area. This naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around the implanted area, which is known as a capsule.

This capsule is the tricky part of breast surgery as it is the result of the insertion of a foreign object and this helps it to separate from the tissues surrounding it. In certain cases, the capsule remains soft and doesn’t cause any issues. Still, however, in some cases, it might thicken and get hard which leads to an abnormal situation known as capsular contracture of breast implant. However, this surgery can distort the shape of your breasts and will become painful with time.

What Causes Capsular Contracture?

Till now, there has been no specific cause discovered for capsular contracture, but here are certain factors that play a crucial role in the cause of breast implant capsular contracture.

1. Bacterial Contamination

The implant or its surrounding tissue is often colonized by bacteria, which triggers an immune response, and subsequently, it might cause inflammation and excessive scar tissue formation. This condition often associated with the formation of biofilms contributes to capsular contracture very significantly.

2. Hematoma and Seroma

Blood or seroma collection surrounding the implant postoperatively might raise the chances for further inflammation and subsequent capsule formation.

3. Surgical Technique

Poor surgical techniques, such as bad implant handling or poor asepsis practices, can increase the chances of capsular contracture. There is a lesser chance associated with the submuscular placement of the implant as opposed to sub-glandular placement, in which the implant is placed over the chest muscle.

4. Trauma

Physical trauma of the breast after surgery can compromise the healing process and possibly create abnormal capsule formation.

5. Type of Implant

Capsular contractures are less likely with textured-surfaced implants than smooth implants. There is a slightly different risk profile between saline and silicone implants.

6. Personal Factors

There is a genetic predisposition, immune system reaction, and predisposing medical conditions that contribute to capsular contracture risk.

Explore the Symptoms of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture of breast implant is rarely symptomatic in its early stages, but following its progression, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

1. Alteration of Breast Shape

The involved breast will be irregularly shaped, with the implant displaced or squeezed out of place. The asymmetry of the breasts may be obvious.

2. Lumped or Hairy Feel

One of the characteristic signs is that the breast becomes very hard. The severity of the hardness may vary from mild to severe, depending on the stage of the contracture.

3. Pain or Discomfort

Capsular contracture may cause mild to severe pain. Mild pain may be present at some stages, while at advanced stages, the pain may be very severe.

4. Restricted Movement

The tightening of the capsule may bind the movement of the implant and thus present a feeling of tightness or pressure over the breast.

5. Visual Rippling

In some instances, the implant may become more noticeable; the skin over the breast may display rippling or wrinkling.

Grades of Capsular Contracture

Breast implant capsular contracture is often classified into four grades known as Baker Classification:

Grade I: The breast is soft and feels normal, with no symptoms.

Grade II: The breast feels firm but looks normal.

Grade III: The breast is firm, and there is distortion or asymmetry.

Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful, and distorted. 

 FAQs

1. What is breast capsular contracture?

Breast capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms tightly around a breast implant, causing the breast to harden, distort in shape, or become painful. It is one of the potential complications of breast augmentation or reconstruction.

1. What causes capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture can be caused by several factors, such as infection, bleeding, trauma, or an immune response to the implant. In some cases, the cause is unknown, but proper surgical techniques and post-operative care can minimize risks.

1. What are the symptoms of capsular contracture?

The symptoms include tenderness, firmness, and pain of the breasts, and deformation or alteration of the breast’s shape and position, sometimes accompanied by obvious deformity. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and depend on the severity of contracture.

1. How is capsular contracture diagnosed?

A diagnosis of capsular contracture breast implants is typically done through a physical examination, usually accompanied by ultrasound or MRI. Severity is classified on the Baker scale, from Grade I, normal, to Grade IV, severe.

1. Can capsular contracture be avoided?

It is not able to be avoided at all times, but some techniques, that include submuscular implantation, textured implants, good surgeries, and following postoperative activities, can decrease the rates of capsular contractures.

1. How is capsular contracture treated?

Treatment varies from patient to patient depending upon different levels of severity. The available treatments include massage, use of medications, and major surgical interventions like capsulectomy or even replacing a new implant. Most of such complications can be avoided with early treatment.

1. Is capsular contracture common after breast augmentation?

Capsular contracture is a recognized complication but occurs in a very small percentage of cases. The incidence has decreased significantly over the years with improvements in surgical techniques and implant materials.

The Bottom Line

Breast Implantation, as commonly seen may give rise to complications, but with recent developments in technology, it also comes with multiple solutions. For instance, you can check out Aspen After Surgery Centre.

At Aspen After Surgery Centre, you will have multiple treatment options for capsular contracture. Be it invasive, or non-invasive. Skilled technicians and surgeons will make you feel comfortable about your situation, and will give you the right stats about your condition.

So, if you are ready to know the truth, and overcome capsular contracture breast implants, book your appointment with Aspen After Surgery Centre.