Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States. Advances in surgical techniques and tools also make it safer than ever before. Unfortunately, there are times when the results of a Breast Augmentation are not favorable. One such instance is Capsular Contraction.

Capsular Contraction

Capsular Contracture refers to the development of scar tissue within the breast implant pocket or ‘capsule’. The formation of scar tissue is a common occurrence, and normally does not cause any noticeable problems. However, when Capsular Contraction occurs, the scar tissue begins to tighten around the implant, causing pain and distortion of the breast, possibly even rupturing the implant. Surgical repair is the only viable solution for Capsular Contraction.

The symptoms of Capsular Contracture will range in severity with the most severe characterized by a tight, painful chest that may feel firm or hard to the touch. Eventually, this can lead to breasts that appear Contracture:

  • Grade I: The breast is soft, looking and feeling normal.
  • Grade II: The breast looks normal but feels slightly harder to the touch.
  • Grade III: The breast feels hard to the touch and will begin to look distorted or rounded with the implant sitting higher than normal.
  • Grade IV: The breast feels very hard, has extreme distortion, and causes discomfort or pain.

Capsular Contracture Care at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery

The surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery have been performing Breast Augmentation Revision for Capsular Contracture for over ten years. At Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery, he utilizes the most technologically advanced techniques for the correction of Capsular Contraction. These innovative surgical procedures have been developed to relieve both the physical and aesthetic problems associated with Capsular Contraction, restoring a beautiful, natural looking breast.

The method used to correct Capsular Contraction depends on the severity of symptoms, the woman’s unique anatomy, and if leakage is present. One of two techniques will be employed: the Open Capsulotomy and the Capsulectomy.

The Open Capsulotomy

This technique is reserved for women with implants placed above the muscle and show no sign of rupture or leakage. The Open Capsulotomy will begin by making a small incision underneath breast or through the areola. From here he will open the implant capsule, allowing it to expand. Once a comfortable pocket for the implant has been created, the doctor will close the incision with dissolvable sutures.

The Capsulectomy

This method of Capsular Contracture correction is used when the implant shows signs of trauma or leakage. A small inframammary incision or through the areola will be creatd. Next, he will remove the encapsulating scar tissue and the implant. A new breast implant may also be placed at this time. Finally, the incision will be closed using dissolvable sutures for proper healing. If the implant is above the muscle, it may be placed in a new plane below the muscle.

Recovery After Capsular Contracture Repair

Patients should expect the recovery from Capsular Contracture correction to take from one to two weeks. There will be mild pain and swelling immediately after surgery. A special surgical bandage or bra will be worn for the first several days to keep swelling to a minimum. Bruising is also common, but will dissipate over the following ten to fourteen days. Appropriate pain medications will be prescribed to allow for a comfortable healing process. In some cases, drains will be placed to remove the accumulation of fluid in the breasts.

Most patients feel well enough to return to work in one to two weeks. More strenuous activities, exercise, and heavy lifting should be postponed for four to six weeks.

Results After Correction for Capsular Contracture

As soon as all bruising and swelling has resolved, in two to three months, the full results from a Capsulectomy can be seen. The breast will once again appear natural and soft. Most women are extremely happy with the results from Capsular Contracture correction; and will enjoy their beautiful breasts for a long time to come.

Potential Risks of a Capsulectomy

The corrective procedures for a Capsular Contraction are considered safe, and can provide patients with excellent results. However, as it is a surgical procedure, there is a degree of risk involved. Potential complications include bleeding, scarring, infection, nerve damage, breast asymmetry, and repeat Capsular Contraction. Women should only trust their body to a Board Certified plastic surgeon. With more than a decade of experience, the surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery can guarantee the safest and most satisfying Capsular Contraction correction available today.

Capsular Contracture FAQ

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular Contracture refers to the accumulation of scar tissue around a breast implant. As this tissue begins to shrink and constrict the implant, pain and breast distortion can occur.

What are the signs of Capsular Contracture?

Women with Capsular Contracture often complain of a tight feeling in the breast, although the condition may eventually become extremely painful. The breast will also become hard and distorted.

What can be done to treat Capsular Contracture?

A surgical procedure will be required to correct the Capsular Contracture. Depending on the woman’s anatomy, saline or silicone implants, the severity of scar tissue, and if any leakage is present, either an Open Capsulotomy, or a Capsulectomy will be performed.

How is the surgery to treat Capsular Contracture performed?

Capsular Contraction correction is performed on an outpatient basis, taking from two to six hours to complete. the doctor will first make a small inframammary or periareolar incision. Depending on the surgical technique used, he will then either release the scar tissue, or remove the implant/tissue. At this point, a replacement implant may be positioned. Finally, the incision will be closed using dissolvable sutures.

Who is an ideal candidate for Capsular Contracture correction?

The best candidate for Capsular Contracture revision is someone in generally good health and a nonsmoker. She will fully understand the condition of Capsular Contracture and the measures for correction, as well as hold reasonable surgical expectations.

Is correction of a Capsular Contracture painful?

Women may experience mild to moderate discomfort after the surgery to repair their Capsular Contracture. The doctor will provide the necessary pain medications to keep women resting comfortably during the healing process.

What are the risks of Capsular Contracture correction?

Both the Capsulectomy and Capsulotomy are considered safe, but there is always the rare chance for a complication to occur, such as infection, scarring, excessive bleeding, and nerve damage.

Where do they treat Capsular Contracture?

Capsulectomy or Capsulotomy is performed at the Spalding Surgery Outpatient Surgical Facility. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the outpatient surgical care center is convenient and private.

When can work be resumed after Capsular Contracture repair?

On average, most women feel comfortable enough to return to work seven to fourteen days after their Capsular Contraction correction.

What kind of anesthesia is used during a Capsular Contracture correction procedure?

An Open Capsulotomy or a Capsulectomy will normally be performed under general anesthesia.

What can be expected from the recovery period, after Capsular Contracture correction?

Women should expect the recovery after Capsular Contracture repair to take about two weeks. Initially, a specialized surgical bra will be worn to reduce swelling and bruising. Drains may be placed to prevent the build up of excess fluid and blood. Strenuous exercise should be postponed for at least four to six weeks after surgery.