Will Replacing Breast Implant Cure Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contractures are uncommon complications of breast implants, with probably a slightly higher risk with silicone gels vs. salines. The general treatment options include removing the implant and the scar lining around it. Sometimes just releasing the scar is enough. Replacing the implant in the same pocket is indicated if it is below the muscle. If the implants were above the muscle, switching to below the muscle can help. Leaving the implant out for a while usually isn't part of... more

If the idea is to replace the new implant into a "fresh" pocket, this is an option. Unless there have been multiple recurrences of capsular contracture, it can often times be treated by altering or removing the existing capsule and placing the implant back in. In theory the implant should be changed to decreased the risk of a sub-clinical bacterial contamination. I think in real life that the implant can be reused if it is not too old and there wasn't a gross infection.... more

Even in 2009 we still don't know why certain patients develop capsular contracture. Because of this its always hard to counsel patients about their future risk. You do need to be aware that patients with Capsular Contracture who undergo surgery are at higher risk of having recurrent contracture. In other words, your risk doesn't go back to baseline once you've had the problem, even if its treated.