What can be done to prevent capsular contracture again? (Photo)

Question

I just have BA Revision done 6 days ago, had 19 yr old saline removed & replaced. 500cc in my right & 525cc in my left. They were done transumbilical (through belly button) I had cc in my right one. My surgeon said it was very incapsulated. He replaced them with Natrelle silicone 533cc MP. also got a crescent lift. He sent me home with drains, which are very uncomfortable. Does removed hurt? He used a Keller funnel as well. What else can I do to prevent capsular contracture from happening again?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

It sounds like your surgeon did a capsulectomy, and used a Keller funnel so two very important steps have already been done to minimize the risk of capsular contracture. The drains are important in this situation as well. There is not a lot that you can personally do to minimize the risk of cc, and i do not believe that implant massage for example is helpful. Follow your surgeon's guidance on post op care.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the most common problems is breast #capsular #contracture or the development of thickening, and contracture of the capsule that exists around the breast implants. Severe capsule contracture probably occurs in less than 15% of augmentation patients. Every woman has a breast capsule around their implant and this is a normal phenomenon. The capsule itself could be as thin as Saran Wrap but may also become calcified and thickened. As it thickens and shrinks, the patient may develop a feeling a firmness of the breasts and in its worst situation, the breast may become painful and abnormal in appearance, achieving a very round, hard, and uneven appearance. There may be distortion and possible breakage and leakage of an older implant, but may also include a newer implant. Nicotine users, such as smokers, have up to a 30x increased risk of capsular contracture. The #reason capsular contraction happen is unclear. It's possibly caused by microscopic bacteria on the implant, a   collection of blood after surgery or perhaps it is a tendency for some women to form scar tissue. What we do know is that is cases reported have decreased from 25% to  5-10% or less. One way to attempt the prevention of it is to follow your surgeon's post op instructions as recommended and ask questions of your surgeon when healing concerns arise.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Summer,Thanks for your question and photos. I think most plastic surgeons believe that the highest capsular contracture rates are the TUBA. Drains helps to keep extra fluid from building inside your breast pockets. Depending on the drains, they usually dont hurt unless their flat drains. Keller Funnels help to prevent the implants from touching the skin when being placed which helps. Some people believe in accolade to help with capsular contracture. Discuss with your plastic surgeon. Good Luck,All the best,
Carlos
Mata MD, MBA, FACS

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of drains is usually fairly well tolerated by most women. For the future, I recommend to my patients to use prophylactic antibiotics when having dental work done, and be sure to treat all bacterial infections early. An infection can contribute to capsular formation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Removing drains are usually just mildly uncomfortable to remove.  As for a capsular contracture issue, it is difficult to predict when this can occur.

What can be done to prevent capsular contracture again? (Photo)

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What can be done to prevent capsular contracture again? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Exchange

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.