What is the current statistic for capsular contracture in breast implant patients?

Question

I am planning to get breast augmentation and the most concerned about capsular contracture. I understand that encapsulation is normal for foreign objects introduced in the body. What is the current statistic for capsular contracture in breast implant patients? And in Australia what is the protocol to minimize such problem? Thank you.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Any experience plastic surgeon will tell you that capsular contracture is quite rare.  I do over 300 implant cases per year and my personal experience is 5 patients in 18 years- however each of the those 5 patients failed to follow instructions on how to avoid this rare issue.  There are very good internal solutions that we use to sterilize the pocket and start patients on implant massage at 1 week.  Do your homework and seek out an experienced plastic surgeon!  Best Wishes!!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The U. S. FDA Breast Implant Post-approval study evaluated long-term outcomes of 99,933 patients. The Baker III and Baker IV capsular contracture reported rates for smooth devices used for primary breast augmentation were as follows: Allergan’s silicone gel rate was 5% at 2 years; while its saline rate was 2.8% at 2 years. In this study, Mentor reported no saline data.
Mentor reports its Memory Silicone Gel capsular contracture rate at 12% at 10 years. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is a risk with breast augmentation.  However there are many steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of this occurring.  In my practice I often use the Keller funnel to place silicone implants.  This minimizes touching the implant.  I also bathe the breast pocket with antibiotic solution. Placing the implant beneath the muscle and using an inframammary incision helps to lower the capsular contracture rate.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Capsule (scar) around foreign body (breast and any other implant) is normal, inflammatory reaction of our body to a foreign material; every patient who received breast implant will develop capsule around it. However, 1 out of 4 patients with breast implants (based on available statistics) will develop clinically visible/palpable contracture deformity in the span of a few weeks to 40 years after implant placement. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gainmyselfback,
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

What is the current statistic for capsular contracture in breast implant patients?

Answers (7)

Answer: Frequency of breast implant related capsular contracture

Answer: Frequency of breast implant related capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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What is the current statistic for capsular contracture in breast implant patients?

Answers (7)

Answer: Frequency of breast implant related capsular contracture

Answer: Frequency of breast implant related capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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