What implant is the best fix for my capsular contracture?

Question

I am 16 months postop and have developed stage for capsular contraction are in my right breast. Currently my implants are 275 cc Mentor moderate plus profile placed over the muscle. I'm wondering if my cc was caused my me working out too early. My doctor is recommending that we do 275 cc textured implants over the muscle with a capsulectomy on my right breast. I'm scared that this will happen again and am wondering what implants would be the best for me. Thank you

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
While that's not a bad plan overall, perhaps a better plan would be to place your implants under the muscle- under the muscle placement reduces your risk of CC by one half.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

As others have stated, implants placed in front of the muscle have a higher capsular contracture rate then behind the muscle.  However, implants such as 275 cc will not fit totally submuscular and will extrude inferior and lateral.  I recommend a mini lift.  Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  At the same time, smaller implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  I'm sorry you are dealing with this.  I don't think that the size of the implant is causing your contracture, but implants that are "over the muscle" have a much greater chance of creating capsular contracture.  If you replace your implants into the same place over the muscle, then you will likely have another contracture, no matter what size or style implant you choose.  It would probably be best to switch the implants to "under the muscle."  Although you can get a contracture there too, it is less likely to occur in that position.  Talk to your plastic surgeon about the options since there are advantages and disadvantages to each one, and you need to understand all of the issues before you do another surgery.  Hope that helps.  Best of luck!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The incidence of capsular contracture is much higher for sub glandular implants.  I would suggest a removal and replacement with capsulectomy and transition to a submuscular pocket.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luminous8667,
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 implant is the best fix for my capsular contracture?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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.

What implant is the best fix for my capsular contracture?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Browse related questions

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.