Capsular Contracture: Is it better to live with it or treat it?

Thank you for your question.  Indeed, patients with capsular contracture are more likely to get repeat capsular contracture.   For capsular contracture there are non operative modalities, (taking singulair, message, Aspen treatment, short course steroids, etc).  We like singulair in our office, along with the other modalities.  One should take it for 90 days straight.  There are also operative modalities, (capsulectomy, capsulotomy, change of pocket, placement of ADM, removal).  If the non operative modalities fail, the breasts usually do not get softer with time.  They usually will harden, and become more odd shaped.  The definitive treatment at this writing is surgical.  Please speak with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about all your options.  The ASAPS and ASPS websites are good places to start.  You may be a better candidate for one specific procedure over the other.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Hello,
Your medicine is making you sick, and it is not treating your capsular contracture. Any benefit you may have is placebo effect, however the more frequent colds you are getting are from the Singular. Having a proper surgery for you capsular contracture will reduce your risk of recurrence. Capsular contracture puts higher pressure on your breast tissue, leading to atrophy or shrinkage of tissue. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who specialize in revision breast surgery. Best of luck!

Dear JJButtercups,I guess that it depends on your symptoms and CC stage. 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.If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

This can be a real challenge, and I hope that you can find some relief soon. Removal of the implants in the setting of a capsule contracture is by definition the most effective way to treat this. If you did not remove the implants, it does not mean that the contracture will necessarily worsen. However, in fact, I have also seen some get better. But, if you do see worsening, then removal may be your best shot at feeling better. You may then require a lift to reestablish the position of the breast tissue in the most aesthetic place. Additionally, Fat grafting to the breasts may be a good option for you to provide volume. All of this has to be tailored to your specific anatomy and findings and goals. Have a goal directed conversation with your board-certified plastic surgeon and we are happy to help you in any way we can.

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) The definitive treatment for capsular contracture includes (at a minimum) implant removal/exchange and total capsulectomy. But, if you can live with and don't mind the capsular contracture, you don't have to undergo surgery. After all, it's your body, and the decision to undergo surgery is yours. 
But, 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.

If the contracture is Baker Grade III or IV - visible significant distortion with (III) or without pain (IV), treatment is better than leaving things alone in most patients. Better symmetry, a softer breast, less (or discontinuation of) pain are all benefits of revision surgery, assuming you do not have a recurrent contracture. We are not totally certain what causes CC, but believe it is typically related to biofilms, which are mixtures of proteins, microbes, topical agents, etc. that can line the pocket or get on the implant during placement. No-touch techniques on the skin, including Keller funnels and other approaches, may help reduce the risk of recurrence. The colds you are experiencing would not be relatable to capsular contracture in my opinion; CC does not "destroy" your breast tissue, but it does distort the appearance and removal takes out scar tissue to soften the tissue back up. Fat grafting is a possibility after implant removal depending on the amount you need, how much fat you have, and your expectations. It is rare to put in as much fat in the breast as the volume of implant that is routinely placed, and more than one round of fat grafting may be required.

Sorry for your problem and though capsular contracture does have a high recurrence rate, it can also worsen.  So go on some complimentary consultations and be evaluated by experts and compare recommendations and get your problem fixed.   Dr Corbin

There are 4 grades of capsular contracture (CC) .  100% of women will form a capsule around her implant but a percentage of them will only get thickening of the capsule.  When the capsule gets to a point where it is so thick and hard it can distort the breast and cause pain. That is a Grade 4 capsular contracture.  There are limited  suggesting the use of Zyrtec and low dose antibiotics  for those women  who are feeling a tightness of the breast ( a sign of possible early CC).  This is effective to help reverse the CC in about 20% of the patients.  Some physical therapy groups use US to break up the scar but again the success rate is not too high.  Many women live with slight CC but f it becomes painful I would recommend you see your surgeon to evaluate the surgical options.