Will Singulair help healing with capsular contracture?

Question

I read that the medication Singulair helps while healing with Capsular Contracture. How does this med. work for that reason. Should it be taken right after surgery? Have that problem going for a revision. What else works??

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

The studies have been equivocal at best, without definitive proof that it helps.  I can foresee only a few instances where it might be helpful.  If you have had repeated contractures and are undergoing a corrective surgery, it may be helpful to start the Accolate prior to the capsulotomies and revision and continue taking it through 2-3 months afterwards until the capsule forms and hopefully remains soft.  However, use of Accolate should never be thought of as a "guarantee" against contracture.  The problem is, we do not fully understand what causes it, and therefore, no single treatment works.

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

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 following reason: Although capsular contractures following breast augmentation can occur just about anytime, most women start having symptoms around three months after their breast implant surgery. This is because it takes some time for a capsule to form and then to scar down (contracture). Therefore it is probably too early at 3 weeks to be concerned about this problem. Your signs and symptoms are most likely from muscle spasm although other factors could also cause this. Your plastic surgeon should be able to sort this our in short order.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Katskie,   In 26 years of practice I have never used Singulair to treat capsule contracture. There were few studies on that medicine which is used regularly for Asthma, and none came with conclusive convincing evidence about it's effectiveness. That is why most surgeons in the US do not use it. If it would have been a good drug for that use, rest assured that it would have been very popular and it is not.  Moreover , the medicine is not innocent and the side effects  can be significant. Always, consults with experienced board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results.             Best of luck,                                  Dr Widder

Brian Dorner, MD · Answer

There was some early excitement about using these medications for capsular contracture. Unfortunately the studies have not been convincing.  Given the potentially lethal side effects of the drug, it is generally no longer recommended.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

have anecdotally been shown to be effective in helping resolve contractures but the real studies have not showns this clearly.  Best to ask your surgeon as to whether you should be taking it and also knowing all the strategies your surgeon plans to employ in minimizing the risks for a recurrence of your contracture.  The list is quite long.

Will Singulair help healing with capsular contracture?

Answers (6)

Answer: Singulair and Accolate for capsular contracture

Answer: Singulair and Accolate for capsular contracture

Answer: Singulair and Accolate

Answer: Singulair and Accolate

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Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

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Will Singulair help healing with capsular contracture?

Answers (6)

Answer: Singulair and Accolate for capsular contracture

Answer: Singulair and Accolate for capsular contracture

Answer: Singulair and Accolate

Answer: Singulair and Accolate

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

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