After 4 times having capsular contraction with shooting pains, burning and itching, what do you suggest?

Hi amydonnamaria,

Capsular contracture is a condition that occur when the tissue surrounding the implant area tightens and contracts around the implant, resulting in unnaturally firm, distorted breast shapes that can sometimes be painful.

Correction generally requires removal of the implant, removal of the scar tissue, pocket repair, and fat grafting or new implant placement. If caught early enough, capsular contracture can sometimes be improved with medication and massage techniques.

We do not know what exactly causes capsular contracture but we do know several evidenced based techniques that can be used to prevent it from happening in the first place and to help prevent it from coming back for revision cases.

If you are concerned, it would be best to visit your plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

 

Recurrent capsular contracture like this is a tough problem. I would consider explantation of the implants or capsulectomy with insertion of new implants as well as the insertion of acellular dermal matrix. This seems to be very helpful in preventing recurrent capsular contracture.

Dear Amy
I am so very sorry that this has happened 4 times to you.
The reasons for repeated capsular contracture I sure you have googled already are many! But more often a combination of your tissues ( bleeding/ collections post op), surgical techniques ( where the implant was placed, what type of implant/s, in the revision surgies was the whole capsule removed, did the surgeons change into a fresh tissue plane), potential low grade infection, smoking etc etc..
However after 4 operations with implants, you have to very carefully consider your options which I believe are:
1. Remove the implant completely, accepting that it just didn't work for whatever reason.
2. The remaining breast tissue may be enough to perform an uplift with the addition of fat transfer. This may require staged operations.
3. If you definitely need/ want another implant I 100% agree with a comment by JJ. Staino ( see below) there is very good evidence from over 38-40years in the medical literature that a Polyurethane coated implant would be the best.
I would also recommend your next surgeon send some of the capsule and if there is fluid around the implant off for histological and bacterial analysis.
I hope this helps in some small way.
Kind regards
Mr G