Capsular Contracture

One of the world's leading breast implant surgeons

Capsular contracture is an abnormal scar tissue layer that can form around breast implants causing discomfort. Capsular contracture can lead to the breasts appearing distorted or asymmetric. It is one of the more common problems affecting women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, typically requiring surgical repair.

What is capsular contracture?

Breast implants add beautiful volume to your breasts, allowing you to feel feminine and sexy, while complementing your figure to make you more proportionate. However, capsular contracture can happen to anyone who has breast implants.

This condition can affect the way your breast implants look and feel. Dr. Mohan is among the top breast surgeons in Houston who have performed thousands of breast procedures, and her skills are often called upon to resolve capsular contracture.

Why does capsular contracture happen?

When a breast implant (or any device) is placed in the body, a thin layer of scar tissue known as a capsule develops around the implant. This is part of the normal healing process. However, if that capsule layer develops excessively and tightens around the breast implant, it is called “capsular contracture.”

What causes capsular contracture?

The main causes of capsular contracture are inflammatory reactions due to infection or bleeding. Infections that could cause capsular contracture may occur from:

Breast implant surgery
An infection elsewhere in the body such as the urinary tract
Following dental work or oral surgery
A rupture in a silicone gel implant

Capsular contracture can also be caused by the development of a hematoma, or when blood collects under the skin. The important issue is to get the problem solved correctly.

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What are the different types of capsular contracture?

A classification system has been developed to describe the severity of capsular contracture ranging from mild to severe. Mild cases of capsular contracture with no symptoms or visible deformity may not require additional surgery. More severe cases of contracture that cause visible or palpable firmness, pain, displacement, implant rupture or deformity usually require additional surgery.

How do you treat capsular contracture?

A “capsulotomy” is a surgical procedure that involves releasing (rather than removing) the capsule. This technique is generally reserved for mild cases of contracture to improve breast symmetry.

A “capsulectomy” is a surgical procedure performed by removing the scar tissue capsule layer. This procedure is recommended in cases with thick, calcified capsules.

There are also a variety of medications that are being investigated to treat contracture such as Accolate (Zafirlukast) and Singulair (Montelukast), but nothing to date has been FDA-approved.

How can capsular contracture be avoided?

The best treatment of capsular contracture is to avoid getting this problem in the first place. Precise surgical technique with no bleeding and Dr. Mohan's “no-touch” placement of the breast implants has enabled her to keep capsular contracture occurrence to a minimum. Massaging during the recovery phase is also thought to be helpful.

Why should I go to CIARAVINO Total Beauty for capsular contracture?

Dr. Mohan is one of the most sought-after surgeons in the Houston, Texas area, particularly for breast enhancement procedures. She performs hundreds of breast procedures every year, making them the ideal surgeons for revisions and removal of scar tissue. Even in the case of severe capsular contracture, her years of experience and artistic eyes allow for beautiful, natural results.

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Capsular Contracture FAQ's

How can you tell when capsular contracture has occurred?

Mild cases of capsular contracture may not at first exhibit any symptoms. The worse your capsular contracture gets, the more obvious it will be. Symptoms can include:

Firmness of the breasts
Overly round shape
Asymmetry
Nipples are misshapen
Pain or tenderness

Capsular contracture typically worsens over time, so contact our office at the first signs of the condition. Dr. Mohan will help you evaluate the severity of the condition and select an appropriate treatment.

Is capsular contracture painful?

The more severe your capsular contracture is, the more likely it is to be painful. The scar tissue can begin to squeeze the implant, contributing to the hardness of the breast and tenderness. The most severe cases can also be sensitive to the touch because of the pressure buildup and degree of scar tissue.

What is recovery like after treatment?

Surgical treatment such as a capsulotomy will result in a recovery period similar to that of breast augmentation surgery. You will likely need to take time off work to recover and refrain from exercise or other strenuous activities for a few weeks. Less-invasive treatments for milder cases will have a shorter recovery period but may still need some time off work for the initial stages of healing.

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