Capsular Contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery, occurring between 5-15 percent of the time. It can happen at any time, but it seems to be more common in the first several months after surgery. During the healing process, a fibrous tissue capsule forms around the breast implant. In most cases, the pocket created for the implant remains open, allowing the implant to feel and look natural. However, in some people, the capsule will tighten and squeeze the implant, making it feel hard and distorting its appearance. The causes for Capsular Contracture are still unclear. Factors such as infection, seroma formation, hematoma formation, smoking, and possibly subglandular placement of the implant are believed to increase the risk of Capsular Contracture.
The physicians at Aesthetic Surgical Partners have tremendous experience and success with Capsular Contracture patients. The treatment, Open Capsulectomy, is a surgical procedure often covered by insurance, in which the scar capsule is removed by the surgeon. It is performed under general anesthesia and has a very short and minimally painful recovery period.
The prevention of Capsular Contracture is also controversial at best. Post operative breast massage, wearing of a compression bra, and Accolate (an asthma medication) have all been proposed as possible interventions to reduce the risk of Capsular Contracture.
To find out more about breast enhancement, please contact our Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation.
Aesthetic Surgical Partners
427 West Pueblo Street, Suite C
Santa Barbara, California 93105