Taking Supplements to Prevent Capsular Contraction

Question

I am about to have a bottomed out revision with PDS sutures. However, I am also concerned about developing a capsular contracture. I plan to take supplements such as Scar Multiplex Formula to help dissolve excess scar tissues and lessen adhesions.

	The concern is, since we are expecting scar tissues to build around the sutures while healing, will taking other supplements to supposingly soften the scar and get rid of excess scar tissues counteract the bottomed out revision healing proces? More specifically, will the bottomed out revision not work if I take supplements to prevent capsular contracture?

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

There are no supplements that have any proven effect for the prevention of capsular contracture. I would not recommend taking anything that touts that benefit. These are not regulated products and the side effects are not well known. So why take something that might be risky with no proven benefit? The bottomed out repair will be a success with a good operation and a compliant patient! Save your money on the scar formula!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners" and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain, Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you. We typically allow our patients to continue their supplements 10 days post op if their recovery is going well.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no significant, conclusive medical evidence which shows that oral supplements decrease or counteract scarring and especially, breast capsule contracture.  The oral supplements should not decrease healing.  The most important part of your surgery is reestablishing or re-creating your inframammary fold. This is accomplished with sutures, specifically PDS sutures. PDS sutures are not permanent and will dissolve with time.  They are ideal sutures to use in the recreation of the inframammary fold. The second most important part of your surgery is removal of your breast capsule. This is called a capsulectomy.  This entails removal of the scar tissue around your breast implant.  Some patients are more prone to breast capsules than others. Other factors, which can increase your chances of forming a breast capsule include type of implants (silicone or Saline), size of implant, and position of implant.  You should seek out several consultations from board-certified plastic surgeons.  Often, breast capsulectomy and removal of breast implants are covered by your medical insurance. Please have your plastic surgeon inquire regarding insurance coverage of your capsulectomy. Good luck. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, I use PDS sutures all the time for capsule work.  I think that the PDS lasts long enough for adequate scar tissue to develop for the pocket ot maintain its shape. Second, I am not a fan of supplements. The companies do not usually list everything that is in their product.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
There is no good evidence that most of these supplements really do anything helpful, but let your surgeon know before you take anything. Some of them can cause problems.

Taking Supplements to Prevent Capsular Contraction

Answers (6)

Answer: Bottoming out and supplements

Answer: Bottoming out and supplements

Answer: No evidence that supplement for capsular contracture works

Answer: No evidence that supplement for capsular contracture works

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Taking Supplements to Prevent Capsular Contraction

Answers (6)

Answer: Bottoming out and supplements

Answer: Bottoming out and supplements

Answer: No evidence that supplement for capsular contracture works

Answer: No evidence that supplement for capsular contracture works

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.