Breast Augmentation And Capsular Contracture - Answers To Common Questions

Breast augmentation is not without risks, and capsular contracture is one of the main concerns for most women. The condition is somewhat mysterious, and it has left many plastic surgeons baffled. There are, however, a few answers available that can help a patient determine whether to take the risk, how to prevent it and what can be done if it does occur.

What is it?
Capsular contracture is not limited to cosmetic implants. Any foreign object that is inserted into the body (pacemaker, artificial limbs, sub-dermal modifications) is prone to attack by the body's immune system. Collagen fibers will surround and squeeze the object to varying degrees depending on the severity of the condition. The result is aesthetically displeasing, leaving the breasts misshapen. It may also cause physical discomfort if it develops into more severe stages.

What causes it?
One of the reasons why capsular contracture is a major concern for women interested in breast augmentation is that there are no definitive answers to what will cause it. It can happen in one or both breasts, with silicone or saline, in older and younger patients, and even during revisions when there was no contracture with the primary surgery.

What does it look like?
Sometimes the condition is so mild it is barely perceptible. Women seeking correction will likely have highly visible signs that include a squeezed appearance, hardening around the implants, and an overly round outline.

Does anything increase the risk of development?
Some surgeons believe that there are several factors that are commonly present in a high number of capsular contracture cases. One of the main contributing agents is bacterial contamination of the implant shell or another form of infection. No amount of caution can completely eliminate these two issues, but maintaining a sanitized and clean surgical environment will reduce the risks.

Is it preventable?
There are plenty of theories on how to decrease risks including after surgery massage, wearing a compression garment, taking certain vitamins, and possibly the type of implant material and its placement. The advice you get will likely vary, depending on the surgeon's specific experience. Most prevention methods will cause no harm other than mild discomfort or inconvenience, so many feel they are worth the effort.

When will it happen?
Another reason why capsular contracture can be so frustrating is that it can happen at any time during the implant lifespan. Patients can experience it as early as the first year or they may have no symptoms until ten years later. There is one thing that is certain, however, and that is that those women who have previously experienced the condition are more likely to develop it again even with a revision.

What are the solutions?
Surgical removal is the only guaranteed solution to the problem. But there are two other methods that can be used if a patient whishes to maintain the breast augmentation. The first is release of the capsules, which should restore the skin to its original appearance. More surgeons recommend a complete revision, where the implant is replaced following capsule release.