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Singulair for Capsular Contracture Prevention?

asked 3 years ago by kiltcrazy in Seattle, WA
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 21,155 times

I had Breast Augmentation on Feb. 13 and and took 17 days off of work and have had strap for 10 days (since I went back to work). Still, the right implant is not dropping. It all feels soft and moves around just fine, but the one is quite a bit higher in my chest than the left. I have been massaging vigorously, the strap is extremely tight and has been for 4 days now (Didn't have it tight enough for the first few days).

I want to ask my doctor to prescibe Singulair, ultrasound, or possibly muscle relaxers to help the implant drop. Has anyone used Singulair in the prevention or correction of capsular contracture? Also, could CC prevent one breast from dropping/settling?

13 answers to Singulair for Capsular Contracture Prevention?

Be careful of Singulair side effects

Singulair is an asthma medication that was found accidently to affect capsular contracture. I used it in the past in addition to performing a complete capsulectomy and changing the implants. It is impossible to know whether the improvement came from Singulair or the surgery or both. A randomized study would be the ideal way to study this effect. However the main issue are the side effects of the drug, mainly liver problems. A capsule will prevent drooping but if too tight, it could distort... more

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

No science behind pills for capsular contracture

Dear Kittcarzy, I saw your photos on the site yesterday. I know you are concerned about the right side being higher than the left. This can be from many causes, one of which is capsular contracture. As I recall, you have saline implants and these rarely cause cc. Again, please sick close to your doctor and their advice, keep up with massage, perhaps wear an upper pole strap and be patient. You won't know the final outcome for 3-4 months after surgery.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Singulair and Accolate therapy for capsular contracture

Singulair is a drug which comes from the class of leukotriene recptor antagonists. The use of Singulair for capsular contracture is based on anecdotal reports of improvement (softening) of capsular contracture in individuals undergoing treatment with Accolate, another drug in this class. Accolate is prescribed twice a day. The advantage of Singulair is its once-a-day dosing and relatively high safety profile. It is one of the most popular pediatric asthma medications. The initial reports... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

No to Singulair for Capsular Contracture

The reports of the success of Singulair in treating capsular contracture is anecdotal, meaning there are no large studies confirming it's effect. This is off label use of the medication. This drug is associated with severe side effects including liver failure that is not worth the risk for an unknown benefit.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Anecdotes aren't yet proven

Kiltcrazy, There are anecdotes regarding the use of Singulair and other antiinflammatory asthma medications to decrease capsular contracture. The effect has never been proven. Remember, everything we do has consequences, including prescribing a seemingly harmless medication.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

Don't take Singulair for capsule prevention

It would be nice to think that a pill such as Singulair would be effective in preventing capsule contracture however there is no evidence that the medication is effective and is considered an "off label" treatment. The side effects of the medication are impressive and patients receiving the medication need close medical followup and periodic testing. You would want the medication to be of proven effectiveness to make the treatment and potential risks worth the effort. It appears from your... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Singulair for Capsular Contracture is Off Label Usage

I suspect you are right hand dominant and you simply have more tone in your right breast and your implant will drop in time just a bit slower than the left.You are not a candidate for Singulair usage at this point. Keep up the massage, breast strap, and if you want ultrasound. Singulair is used as a FDA off label usage to treat Capsular Contracture and in some cases of recurrence of capsular contracture in a preventative fashion. This does not apply to you for the... more

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Implant dropping

It sound like your one side just didnt drop as it was supposed to after surgery. This may be that the pocket just is not large enough, or that you have some early contracture. At this point, I would be massaging the breast as much as possible. The strap may help, but I do not think it will force the issue if the pocket is too tight already. At the three month mark, that is when you reassess things and see what may need to be done. Singulair may work for some... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Singulair and capsular contracture

First of all, it sounds like your breasts are dropping normally. At only 2 1/2 weels it is a bit early, and it may take a few months to really settle in. As for singulair, there are no strong scientific studies supporting its use.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Capsular contracture not the cause of asymmetric breast implants.

Hi. 1) Cannot be sure without examining you, but from your story and your picture, I don't think capsular contracture is the problem with your breast implants. Perhaps the implant pockets are different. 2) I don't think massage or straps help. Of course, don't do anything for six months, but I am afraid you may need a revision eventually. I know this is not what you want to hear.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Singulair likely won't make a difference for capsular contracture prevention

Hello, You are early with some difference in implant settling. This can happen particularly with differences in the breast size and implant size. With time it usually improves or resolves entirely. Massage can help. Follow your doctor's advice on this one.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Doesn't sound like capsular contracture

I have looked at your photo and read your history and it looks like you have some asymmetry of settling in the pockets. You are doing the right thing to massage and encourage the right implant to go down. This is probably due to the muscle on the right side being larger and stronger. Continue to massage and work the implant pocket. I would recommend this treatment for the first three months and then if it is still too high but loose in the pocket you will need an open capsulotomy... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Singular off label use for capsular contracture

First - it is too early in your recovery to suspect capsular contracture. It is likely just simple asymmetry - either pre-existing or surgically related. Massaging the right breast more than the left may help that implant to "drop" more and give you better symmetry. Use of Singular or Accolate has been reported to help with capsular contracture but it is off-label use. Therefore, I would discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon prior to deciding to use it. Also review your before... more