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One of the most common complications in the majority of women after surgery is capsular contracture of breast implant. It can lead to discomfort, deformity, and alteration in breast appearance. Knowing how to detect and deal with capsular contracture is important for anyone who is thinking about breast implants. In this comprehensive article, we will look at what capsular contracture is, how to spot it, and how to treat it.
What Is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture?
When you have breast augmentation, your body forms a natural capsule of tissue around the implant. The capsule will be soft, flexible, and will keep the implant in position without doing any harm. Capsular contracture of breast implants happens when the tissue capsule constricts and becomes firm around the implant. This results in distortion of shape and can result in the breast becoming firm or painful.
Although it is natural for the body to encapsulate the implant with a capsule, the severity of capsular contracture is different for each individual. In some individuals, the capsule does get too tight, leading to pain, discomfort, or alteration of breast appearance. The condition is usually graded as four levels according to its severity, from a slight tightening to extreme distortion of the breast shape.
What Does Breast Implant Capsular Contracture Cause?
The reason for capsular contracture of breast implants is not well established, yet several factors are presumed to be involved in causing it. Some of those factors are:
| Factor | Description |
| Infection | Although rare, infections around the breast implant can lead to the formation of a thick, hard capsule, increasing the risk of capsular contracture. |
| Implant Type and Location | The position of the implant (above or below the muscle) could influence the risk of capsular contracture. |
| Bleeding | Bleeding within the implant pocket can cause the development of scar tissue, one of the reasons behind capsular contracture. |
| Contamination | If the implant becomes contaminated during surgery, the body may respond by forming more tissue around it, increasing the risk of capsular contracture breast implants. |
| Genetic Factors | Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing capsular contracture, making it more likely for them to experience this complication. |
Treatment Options for Breast Implant Capsular Contracture
Treatment for capsular contracture differs based on the severity of the condition. The most prevalent forms of treatment include:
1. Massaging the Implant
For mild capsular contracture breast implants, your doctor may recommend a specific massage technique to be utilized for the disruption of the contracted capsule. This is generally most helpful if done early, before the capsule has become too rigid.
2. Medications
Some medications will treat the symptoms of capsular contracture. For example, your doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling. In some cases, medications such as steroids can be administered to attempt to soften the capsule.
3. Surgical Intervention (Capsulectomy)
The most advanced to moderate capsular contracture requires surgery. The most common procedure is called capsulectomy, in which the surgeon will cut out the contracted capsule around the implant. Surgery can improve the appearance of the breast and reduce pain or discomfort. In some instances, a new implant can be placed during the same surgery.
4. Implant Exchange
In some cases, the best option is to take out existing implants and replace them with new implants. This is routinely done when the original implants are damaged or when the capsular contracture of breast implant is severe. The surgeon will usually remove the scar tissue and then insert new implants to improve the look and feel of the breasts.
5. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is another form that can be used to minimize capsular contracture severity.
The heat from the laser can soften the capsule, but this is being further studied as an effective method of treating the condition.
Preventing Breast Implant Capsular Contracture
While there is no method to guarantee breast implant capsular contracture prevention, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:
● Choose an Experienced Surgeon: A skilled and capable surgeon will minimize the risk of complications during surgery. Ensure that your surgeon follows proper sterilization and surgical practices.
● Follow Post-Surgery Instructions: Listening to your surgeon’s post-op care instructions may minimize the possibility of infection and other complications that could cause capsular contracture.
● Choose the Right Implant Type: Read and consult your surgeon about whether saline or silicone implants would suit you. Silicone implants are less likely to create complications such as capsular contracture breast implants.
Conclusion
Breast implant capsular contracture is a potential side effect of breast augmentation that may cause pain, discomfort, and a changed appearance. Early detection of capsular contracture allows for timely treatment to correct the issue.
Additional massage, medication, or surgical correction offers successful remedies for you to restore your breasts to their natural appearance and feeling. If you feel that you are experiencing capsular contracture, don’t worry – just go see a professional surgeon to figure out what to do with your specific situation. With proper care and treatment, you can get the look you desire and have a smooth, confident look.
If you are considering breast implants, you should make sure that you’re informed about potential complications, and knowing how to identify and treat capsular contracture of breast implants will ensure that you’ll be prepared for any uncertain issue.
FAQs on Breast Implant Capsular Contracture
1. What is breast implant capsular contracture?
The scar tissue (capsule) that forms around a breast implant becomes abnormally hard and tight with capsular contracture. Sometimes it hurts, distorts the breast shape, and is painful.
2. What are the symptoms of capsular contracture?
Common symptoms are:
● Hard or firm breast
● Pain or tenderness
● Distorted or misshapen breast
● Visible implant displacement
● Changes in sensation
3. How soon after surgery can capsular contracture occur?
Breast implant capsular contracture can occur at any time after surgery, but tends to occur within several months to several years after the operation.
4. Is capsular contracture dangerous?
Capsular contracture is not dangerous in terms of life, but is associated with physical pain and cosmetic appearance. It may require treatment or operative intervention to restore the normal look and feel of the breast.
5. Does capsular contracture spontaneously resolve?
It can potentially resolve without needing any intervention, in case it’s a Grade I or II mild contracture. Otherwise, generally not; grades III or IV do require or can necessitate some sort of intervention.
6. What are the treatment modalities for capsular contracture?
Treatment options can include all of the above, depending on severity.
7. What is the reason for capsular contracture?
Several factors could be at play, including infection, bleeding, trauma to the implant, rupture of the implant, or heredity. In other cases, no reason is identifiable.
8. Does capsular contracture happen with all saline and silicone implants?
Yes, breast implant capsular contracture can occur with either implant, but it may be somewhat more common with silicone implants due to the nature of the silicone texture and makeup.
9. Can capsular contracture be prevented?
It can’t always be avoided, but you can lower your risk by:
● Choosing a trained, board-certified surgeon
● Following post-operative care
● Having the implant positioned submuscularly
● Maintaining regular massage of the implant (if instructed)
10. Is insurance going to cover capsular contracture treatment?
It depends on your insurance provider and policy. Usually, if the breast implants were for reconstructive purposes (e.g., after mastectomy), insurance will tend to cover complications. Cosmetic surgery may not be covered.