Breast implant capsules and calcification. Would this be considered a concern?

Question

Lately, I've read and seen a lot of information with re: textured implants and their making calcification and or double capsules. What is your intake on this? Would this be considered a concern, and if so, would you recommend a capsulectomy removal should patients develop "double capsules" and/or "calcification?" Or would it be okay to leave them in?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi 1197A2, 
  
Capsular contracture is a condition that occur when the tissue surrounding the implant area tightens and contracts around the implant, resulting in unnaturally firm, distorted breast shapes that can sometimes be painful. 
  
Correction generally requires removal of the implant, removal of the scar tissue, pocket repair, and fat grafting or new implant placement. If caught early enough, capsular contracture can sometimes be improved with medication and massage techniques. 
  
We do not know what exactly causes capsular contracture but we do know several evidenced based techniques that can be used to prevent it from happening in the first place and to help prevent it from coming back for revision cases.
  
If you are concerned, it would be best to visit your plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John E. Nees, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Calcium deposits involving the capsular tissue surrounding breast implants occurs in approximately 15% of patients undergoing silicone gel filled implants. Capsular calcifications also occur with saline filled devices (although much less common), but have a different morphology as the crystals are much smaller. Older implant types were more prone to this phenomenon. Newer generation silicone implants demonstrate a 10% incidence if the implant is intact and 50% if the implant is ruptured.Benign calcification may be associated with capsular contracture, in which the breast feels unnaturally firm. Under these circumstances, capsulectomy is usually recommended.Benign calcification may be asymptomatic in which case it can be left alone (as it is not associated with any disease process), but requires monitoring to differentiate from malignant breast calcifications.Best wishes...

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
  
You only treat conditions when they are present. If you have no signs of calcification, you may opt for removal or exchange of the implants for something different. If the capsule is healthy, and you remove the implants it is unlikely that you will develop calcification in the future. However there are some patients that may be more prone to develop conditions that the majority may not develop. Finally, make sure that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Wishing you the best in your journey

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: It is difficult to say what is exactly happening with your case without a physical examination, testing or having done your surgery. It is imperative that you have a thorough examination by a board-certified surgeon. Only then, you may weight better the options to fix your current concerns.

Breast implant capsules and calcification. Would this be considered a concern?

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Breast implant capsules and calcification. Would this be considered a concern?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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