What type of imaging can detect capsular contracture?

Question

I had replacement w/ lyft in February. Both my breast are firm, I want to get some type of.imaging to see how bad my cc is. Some surgeons say baker2 some baker3. I already had 2 surgeries, not willing to go into a 3rd one unless is absolutely necessary. Can anyone MRI show capsular contracture? Thanks!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,CC is not detected or graded by a diagnostic modality like MRI, only by clinical characteristics. The Baker grading system is crude and can miss some of the multiple nuances of the problem, however it gets to the heart of the matter: who has a firm breast implant, who has a visible asymmetry, and who is having pain. With these three variables, we can address each with the patient and determine whether a revision surgery is warranted. Women having revision surgery and women having a combined augmentation and mastopexy are at higher risk for the development of CC, so it's not unusual that you have this problem. If you decide to have a revision surgery, you need to have one that will reduce the risk of recurrence: a total en bloc capsulectomy through an inframammary incision, with or without an ADM. If the surgeons you've seen/operated on you are not ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons expert in revision surgery,  you should visit a few that are. Best of luck!

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Imaging is not necessary to diagnose capsular contracture. If you have recurrent capsular contracture, you likely will need a new implant, new incision, new pocket (neosubpectoral pocket) and perhaps a textured implant if you don't already have one. An MRI will show if your implant is ruptured, but not the grade of capsular contracture. Baker 2 is a hard implant that looks normal. Baker 3 is a hard implant that looks abnormal or distorted. You should undergo surgery if you are displeased with the appearance of your breasts or if you are experiencing pain.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and at this juncture, you can only consider use of leukotriene inhibitors like Accolate or Aspen ultrasound treatments, both which are not proven but have anecdotal reports to suggest they can  help.  If you choose the Aspen treatments, make sure you have some kind of warranty to help you if it doesn't work at all... like a partial refund or extra complimentary treatments as patients shouldn't be burdened with the costs if it doesn't work at all.  BTW, if  you have visible breast distortion, you have a Baker III. You should really be informed of all options before having another procedure.

What type of imaging can detect capsular contracture?

Answers (3)

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