Use of drains and strattice when treating capsular contracture?

Question

65year old with capsular contracture. First augmentation in my late twenties. I then had revision surgery in my early 30’s for cc mainly on the left side. So implants are 30 years old and I have fairly significant CC again. I’m considering another revision surgery (vs. removal only) but would implant with a smaller implant under the muscle. Is using strattice recommended and are drains neccessay. I’m getting mixed opinions.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jlife,
capsular contracture affects people approximately one in 20. No one knows exactly what causes it and what can prevent it completely. It's important for your doctor to use a minimal incision and a Keller funnel as a sleeve to protect the implant from touching anything before goes into the breast pocket. Singulair has been shown to prevent it 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Capsular contracture is a known complication of breast augmentation surgery, and it sounds like you've unfortunately experienced it twice. If you're considering another revision surgery to address the CC, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure and have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in breast revision surgeries.

Using a smaller implant under the muscle may help to reduce the risk of CC in the future, but there's still a risk that it may recur. Strattice is a surgical mesh that can be used to reinforce the breast tissue and provide additional support for the implant. It's often used in revision surgeries to address issues such as CC or implant malposition. However, the use of Strattice is not always necessary, and the decision to use it would depend on your individual anatomy and the surgeon's preference.

As for drains, there's no clear consensus on their use in breast augmentation or revision surgeries. Some surgeons use them routinely to minimize the risk of fluid buildup, while others do not. It's important to discuss this with your surgeon and understand their reasoning for or against the use of drains.

Ultimately, the best course of action would depend on your individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. A board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast revision surgery can help guide you through the decision-making process and provide you with personalized recommendations based on your needs.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Many surgeons like to use drains when removing old capsules to decrease the risk of fluid building up and swelling. Strattice can also be used to help control the pocket and decrease the risk of capsules. However, I usually do not use Strattice with removing old implants and capsules.

Use of drains and strattice when treating capsular contracture?

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Use of drains and strattice when treating capsular contracture?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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