Can Vit E help prevent capsular contracture?

Question

I see PS's advise to take Vit E - can you take to help prevent CC or is it best to wait and only take if symptoms occur? I don't think that I have it but if I can do anything to help prevent it I'd like to as massaging is not part of my recovery plan.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

There is no scientific evidence that vitamin E will  prevent capsular contracture, but it shouldn't really have any negative effects either.  Then again, the same can be said for rubbing honey on the incisions daily, but I'm not going to tell my patients to do that. :/  Recommendations should be based on science or at least some evidence. Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Personally, I have all of my breast implant patients take one vitamin E 400mg by mouth once a day as preventative for capsule formation.That along with close follow up, gentle massages, instructions per your plastic surgeon are recommended.(If a capsule has already formed, other options will need to be discussed).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CLERe,capsular contracture affects people approximately one in 20.  No one knows exactly what causes it and what can prevent it completely. It's important for your doctor to use a minimal incision and a Keller funnel as a sleeve to protect the implant from touching anything before goes into the breast pocket.  Singulair has been shown to prevent it. You should continue following your surgeon's instructions. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
 Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Michael J. Yoo, MD · Answer

There is no evidence that Vit E helps prevent capsular contracture.  Excessive Vit E is known to cause a tendency to bleed during surgery.  There is anecodotal evidence to suggest that leukotriene inhibitors such as singulair can be helpful.  Best to speak to your plastic surgeon about what he or she thinks.
best wishes.

Stephanie Olivier, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi there

The only thing that help for capsular contracture is the medication call Singulair. You should ask your plastic surgeon.  Good luck 
Dr Stephanie Olivier FRCSC, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In my opinion vitamin E does not help with CC. I also do not think the leukotriene inhibitors help either. The best solution is surgery.

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no data to suggest that Vitamin E prevents capsular contracture. The incidence is approximately 5%. Certain measures during surgery might help which include covering the nipple s with clear adhesive tape, irrigation with antibiotics and use of the Keller Funnel. Hope this helps.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would definitely ask your specific surgeon if he/she would recommend that or not. There is not clear data that a vitamin supplement of any kind will prevent capsular contracture. Some vitamin supplements (particularly, Vitamin E) can affect blood clotting and your surgeon would definitely need to know if you are taking that. Best wishes.

Can Vit E help prevent capsular contracture?

Answers (8)

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