Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Question

Silicon implant 375cc and 420cc placed over the muscle 1,5 months ago. Had pain and yellow discharge coming from the incision after a surgery on my left breast ( which eventually developed cc) . I went to my doctor one month later complaining for pain, hardness and change in breast shape he diagnosed me cc grade 4.Now Im taking Singular and some inflammatory drugs, tried to do Aspen therapy, but they told me it won’t help. So my doctor wants to perform capsulectomy, but Im scared cc will happen again.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,As in your case, bacterial contamination of the implant has a substantial if not singular role in the development and perpetuation of capsular contracture. You may stop Singulair and NSAIDS, they will not help, nor will high dose vitamin E or antibiotics. Unless you are in severe discomfort, you should wait 3 months from surgery to have a total en bloc capsulectomy via an inframammary incision. If your surgeon isn't an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon who specializes in revision breast surgery, you should find someone who is. This is a difficult surgery to perform correctly. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nataly93,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

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

There are a number of things which can cause capsule contracture, or hardening,after augmentation. Infection is one of them. When the problem is to the extent of yours , or grade 4, surgical intervention will be required. An open capsulotomy, with the removal of the implant will be necessary. If there is evidence of infection, the implant should not be replaced, and an appropriate waiting period is necessary before placing a new one. If there is no evidence of infection, replacing the implant in a new submuscular pocket will reduce the chance of recurrence. While effective, Alloderm is extremely expensive and rarely needed.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It sounds like you had an infection which could easily cause this. If that is the case then a capsulectomy would be a very appropriate treatment. Alloderm is helpful, but if you have had only one CC and there is a reasonable explanation for why it happened then its unlikely that you'll have a recurrence unless the same conditions occur again. Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Sorry to hear that this happened to you. I would agree that you are at increased risk of repeat capsular contracture and that ADM would help, but it is not a requirement. There are other options out there for you. I would advise a revision with removal of the previous implant and capsule, as well as transition to a submsucular implant. Talk with a local board certified plastic surgeon about your options.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

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Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

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Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answers (8)

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

Answer: Capsular contracture grade 4, what are my options if I cannot afford Alloderm ?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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