How Long to Wait Before Fixing Capsular Contracture?

asked 8 months ago by Margarita6062 in Tampa FL
Latest answer by Alexander G. Nein, MD
Question viewed 278 times
Tags: 3 months post-op, capsular contracture, inflammation, timing

Hello, I had my first breast augmentation on July 7th this year with smooth silicone implants under the muscle. My left breast started contracting in week 7 and now at my 3 month post-op my surgeon recommending replacing the implant and using Strattice this time. I am only wondering if my breast is now inflamed and contracting, would it be better to wait a few more months for the inflammation to go down before doing the surgery, so that the current inflammation doesn't affect the outcome?

10 answers to How Long to Wait Before Fixing Capsular Contracture?

How long to wait for capsular contracture surgery

Statistically about 80% of women who get capsular contracture will develop it in the first two years and in my personal experience the vast majority of those will develop contracture in the first 2 to 6 months. There is no exact science as to when is the optimal time to perform a capsulectomy but I would probably wait until the process has stopped for about a month. In other words once the contracture is no longer getting worse or changing, then wait 4 to 6 weeks before having the... more

Alexander G. Nein, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery is one of the few areas where you "do not do today"

What you can honorably postpone until tomorrow...this is because so much of the final results in plastic surgery depend upon formation and remodelling of scar tissue. This includes all of the scar tissue you do not see, under the skin. And just like the scar you see on your skin which tends to become less visible with time, the scar tissue under the skin is also softening and thinning out (usually). So if there is pain from the contracture, then operating early... more

Eleanor J. Barone, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

avantiaesthetic.com

Wait for 6 months, and replace with polyurethane covered implant

Dear lady, I agree with our other colleagues that a 6 months cooling down period is recommendable. However, I am afraid that the chances of recurrence of capsular contracture are high. I know that they are not available anymore in the USA, but we have been using MicroPolyUrethane covered silicone implants for over 10 years, and the chances of recurrence of a capsular contracture with these implants is ten times lower than with any other implant. The quality of the result is also at least as... more

Alexis Verpaele, MD
Belgium Plastic Surgeon

Capsule post aug

I would probably wait a while.Exercise the pockets with massage and soem say ultrasound may help.soem surgeons may try singular to help soften a new capsule but I would probably wait a bit longer.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

How Long to Wait Before Fixing Capsular Contracture?

Each case has it;s own individual issues. rule of thumb is to wait 4 to 6 months before revision in my private practice.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast augment, capsular contracture

Capsular contracture can occur anytime and it's a good idea to defer releasing it until you and your surgeon have determined that the process has stabilized. I have had good results using a drug called Accolate for early contractures. You might ask your surgeon about it. Also, you didn't mention the incision site. If it is axillaty, sometimes all that is needed is further release of the lower edge of the pectoralis muscle. And finally, I'd be sure Strattice is... more

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Capsular Contracture Following Breast Augmnentation

It has been my experience that waiting 6 to 12 months following the initial surgery allows some of the swelling to resolve and the tissues are easier to work with. In some cases the capsule will even relax adn the breast will soften. If the capsule is painful and inhibiting your activities it may be reasonable to proceed with a capsulectomy before 6 months time. Every situation is unique and requires some thoughtful planning. I would echo the other surgeons... more

Charles Perry, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Wait for capsular contracture repair

Capsular contracture after breast augmentation usually takes several months to 'set in' and can be a bit dynamic or changeable. Capsules are graded from one to four and can progress, or can become stable. We fell it best to wait six to twelve months unless the capsule is very firm and uncomfortable. You are right in that the inflammation is active and there is no urgency to the repair. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

When to undergo revision surgery

It normally take 2-3 months for the implants to settle down. By the third month, I do not think that your implant positioning nor capsular contracture will further improve. However, I normally wait 6 months prior to performing revision surgeries.

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

When to operate on capsular contracture.

There is no hard and fast rule on when to operate to correct capsular contracture. Most surgeons will likely wait a minimum of 3 months. The reason for waiting is to allow for resolution of swelling, inflammation, and often times to give non-operative options a chance to work (aggressive massage, U/S therapy, etc.) However, every patient is different and correction is usually individualized. The use of Strattice is a good option for prevention of recurrence.