I have capsular contracture, need a capsulectomy. Want to know about the process and risks of it coming back again (Photo)

Question

I have had a breast augmentation in august of 2020. My left one is higher, harder, and it looks like a ball compared to my right. My doctor confirmed that I have capsular contracture. I have to have a capsulectomy just in the one left breast. I will have to have a drain and be wrapped for 2 weeks. I am so upset this has happened. Is it likely it will happen again? Is there a window of time I will be in the clear after or is there always a permanent risk it will come back?

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
Every step your surgeon takes to reduce the risk of recurrence will decrease the risk, but it is never zero. You must have a capsulectomy to remove all of the scar tissue, replace the implant, place a drain for five days, take oral antibiotics, vitamin E and singulair for 90 days, and with this approach my own recurrence rates are less than 3%. You may also have a sheet of Strattice mesh added for an additional cost, which in my own practice reduces the recurrence rates to less than 1%. You should thoroughly discuss each and every one of these recommendations with your surgeon, because what you do not want is a less than ideal surgery where the contracture just comes roaring right back a month or two later. That makes it even harder to get rid of.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. I am sorry that this happened to you. Capsular contracture is a known and relatively common event after breast augmentation, and is treated by removing the implant and its capsule. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BrookeHJ1109,
capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A capsule will form around any foreign object, but we hope for it to be thin and let the implant move. However, because you developed a hard capsule, you may do so again. I would use antibiotics before any dental procedure and get on antibiotics with any sinus or other infection to minimize the risk of capsule formation. If it starts, external ultrasound therapy and taking Accolate may be helpful to correct and treat it. I would suggest going with a smaller implant which will help decrease the risk as well.

I have capsular contracture, need a capsulectomy. Want to know about the process and risks of it coming back again (Photo)

Answers (4)

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