What is capsular contracture?
This is scar tissue that forms around the breast implants causing the breasts to harden. This hardening may be associated with tenderness and pain. This is the most common complication following breast augmentation. Sub-muscular breast augmentation helps to deter capsular contracture. Massage may be useful, especially for implants placed above the muscle. If severe capsular contracture occurs, it may be necessary to remove the scar tissue and replace the implant (preferably in a sub-muscular position).
Capsular contracture is scar tissue which forms internally around the breast implants. While all individuals with breast implants do form scar tissue around the implants, scar tissue which tightens and can make the breasts round, firm, and even possibly painful is referred to as capsular contracture. This excessive firmness of the breasts can occur soon after surgery or years later. Although the occurrence of symptomatic capsular contracture is not predictable, it generally occurs in less than 5% of patients. When it occurs, capsular contracture may occur on one or both sides. Surgery may be required to remove the scar tissue as well as the affected implant. To help reduce the occurrence of capsular contracture Dr. Short instructs all of her patients do breast massages following the breast augmentation procedure. These massages would be taught in detail prior to surgery.
Fibrous tissue forms around any implant as part of the body’s response to the implant material. The formation of a fibrous capsule around a breast implant is thus a normal reaction. In some women, however, the fibrous capsule can contract and ‘squeeze’ the implant resulting in an altered appearance and consistency of the breast, and is sometimes associated with pain. This is known as capsular contracture. The amount of contracture varies from person to person and cannot be predicted before implantation. An additional operation to remove the fibrous capsule, and possibly the implant, is sometimes necessary.
This is scar tissue that forms around the breast implants causing the breasts to harden. This hardening may be associated with tenderness and pain. This is the most common complication with breast augmentation. Sub-muscular breast augmentation helps to deter capsular contracture. Massage may be useful, especially for implants placed above the muscle. If severe capsular contracture occurs, it may be necessary to remove the scar tissue and replace the implant (preferably in a sub-muscular position).
