How long is typical capsular contracture treatment with 10mg Singulair?

Question

I developed Capsular Contracture about a month ago in my left breast; two years after my surgery. Since being prescribed Singulair and sticking to a regular massage routine I have noticed significant reduction in the firmness of my affected breast, and an improvement in it's shape. Unfortunately, I am experiencing mood swings and don't like Singulair's history with liver damage. How long is the typical treatment with Singulair? Do I have to take it forever or else the CC will return?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Despite your assessment of improvement (softening) neither massage or Singulair actually cures capsular contracture, and more careful scientific protocols with outside assessors don't demonstrate any statistically significant improvements. This has been documented time and again. Capsular contracture is a disease of chronic inflammation from bacterial contamination of your implant (either at the time of surgery or via the bloodstream from other sources - like teeth cleaning). You will need surgery to remove the entire capsule and implant in one piece and replace with a new implant via an inframammary incision. Singulair does not cause liver damage, Accolate does, and that is why my Society asked its members to not prescribe it as there is no evidence that it works. Best of luck!

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  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 over the other.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Although a 3-month course of Singulair has been shown to soften capsular contracture in many patients, 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.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

There is no convincing scientific evidence that Singulaire or that family of medications meaningfully improves capsular contracture nor that the risk benefit ratio is favorable. At the present time, the best option for objectionable capsular contracture is surgical.

How long is typical capsular contracture treatment with 10mg Singulair?

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How long is typical capsular contracture treatment with 10mg Singulair?

Answers (4)

Answer: SIngulair

Answer: SIngulair

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Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

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