I got my first augmentation done 6 months ago & after thinking my implants were dropping at different times I finally went in to see my surgeon & he told me I had a capsular contracture. He recommended that I have surgery to replace the implant with one that has pig skin around it. He also recommended 6-12 weeks of ultrasound therapy treatment. Will ultrasound therapy fix my contracture? Why is it that I got a capsular contracture so soon after surgery? Possibly something my surgeon did wrong?
Answer: Capsular contracture Dear springstun,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
Helpful
Answer: Capsular contracture Dear springstun,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
Helpful
March 17, 2020
Answer: Breast capsular contracture Based on few long term studies it seems that lifelong chance to develop breast contracture after breast augmentation with implants is in a range of 20-40% possibly higher. In most patients capsular contractue presents 3-4 years after augmentation; however early contracture may develop as soon as 6 weeks after breast augmentation. For the most cases a cause of contracture is unknown; usually one side (breast) is affected more than the other. If treatment with ultrasound starts early after contracture there may be a chance for improvement; surgery is next option.
Helpful
March 17, 2020
Answer: Breast capsular contracture Based on few long term studies it seems that lifelong chance to develop breast contracture after breast augmentation with implants is in a range of 20-40% possibly higher. In most patients capsular contractue presents 3-4 years after augmentation; however early contracture may develop as soon as 6 weeks after breast augmentation. For the most cases a cause of contracture is unknown; usually one side (breast) is affected more than the other. If treatment with ultrasound starts early after contracture there may be a chance for improvement; surgery is next option.
Helpful
Answer: Capsular Contracture Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Risk factors for capsular contracture have been identified, but the exact cause of capsular contracture is unknown. The definitive treatment for capsular contracture includes (at a minimum) implant removal/exchange and total capsulectomy. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful
Answer: Capsular Contracture Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Risk factors for capsular contracture have been identified, but the exact cause of capsular contracture is unknown. The definitive treatment for capsular contracture includes (at a minimum) implant removal/exchange and total capsulectomy. If you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful
May 7, 2018
Answer: Breast implant capsular contracture Dear springstun,Breast implant capsular contracture is a significantly common enough occurrence that breast implant companies offer warranty against the highest grades of the condition. The condition has a bimodal peak, meaning that it occurs early (around 6 months), and it occurs late (after several years). Your surgeon's approach to the correction sounds a bit extreme, but he/she has the advantage of knowing your case and having examined your contracture. Good luck!
Helpful
May 7, 2018
Answer: Breast implant capsular contracture Dear springstun,Breast implant capsular contracture is a significantly common enough occurrence that breast implant companies offer warranty against the highest grades of the condition. The condition has a bimodal peak, meaning that it occurs early (around 6 months), and it occurs late (after several years). Your surgeon's approach to the correction sounds a bit extreme, but he/she has the advantage of knowing your case and having examined your contracture. Good luck!
Helpful
May 7, 2018
Answer: Capsular contracture treatment For very early capsular contracture treatment with the Aspen ultrasound system sometimes will soften the breast. For a more advanced case my treatment (which sounds similar to what your surgeon recommended) is capsulectomy, washing with hypochlorous acid (kills all the bacteria in the pocket), implant exchange, Strattice (porcine ADM) placement, drain, and post operative Aspen sustem and antibiotics
Helpful
May 7, 2018
Answer: Capsular contracture treatment For very early capsular contracture treatment with the Aspen ultrasound system sometimes will soften the breast. For a more advanced case my treatment (which sounds similar to what your surgeon recommended) is capsulectomy, washing with hypochlorous acid (kills all the bacteria in the pocket), implant exchange, Strattice (porcine ADM) placement, drain, and post operative Aspen sustem and antibiotics
Helpful