Should I try this to avoid capsular contracture?

Question

I recently got a breast augmentation, and reading on this site I found that capsular contracture can be caused by an infammatory reaction. I live a very healthy lifestyle and I was wondering if maybe CC can be in a way prevented by doing an anti-infammatory diet. Do you think it makes dense? Thank you!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I would like to praise you for your logical question. Let me give some information that I have considered and have given to another patient asking a similar question below:At present, the exact cause of capsular contracture is still
unclear, but the process appears to be multifactorial. A widely accepted theory
points to the formation of septic biofilm that inflames the area around the
implant. The biofilm is surrounded by polysaccharides and may allow a
population of bacteria to stick on implant surfaces and resist antibiotics. It
is proposed that a major factor influencing the initiation of capsular
contracture is a robust inflammatory response with the secretion of
inflammatory cytokines. This is why medications like Singulair (Montelukast)
which work to limit the communication from inflammatory molecules (i.e.,
leukotrienes) help in suppressing lower grades of capsular contracture. 
Anything causing inflammation may be a risk factor – i.e.,
subclinical infections, hematoma, seroma, etc. So there are 2 ways to reduce
risk of capsular contracture: one depends on your surgeon’s meticulous surgical
technique, and two depends on your efforts to help the body heal which you are
doing right now.
On your part, limiting foods that cause inflammation is important.
You need your Vitamin A, Bs, C, and E.
I do not suggest vitamin or mineral supplementation as this has
not been proven to be beneficial or superior to diet-based ingestion of vitamins
and minerals. In fact, no dietary supplement can fix an ongoing pattern of poor
food choices. Supplements may supply some vitamins
and minerals, but since many vitamins and minerals work together in conjunction
in certain processes, it is important to have all the substances necessary.
However, this is not feasible through supplementation if the right combinations
are not known to begin with. I believe that only a varied and balanced eating
pattern provides enough nutrient variety, phytonutrients, and other substances
for health. For this reason, fruits (e.g., oranges, blue berries), vegetables
(e.g., carrots, dark green, leafy vegetables), chicken or fish, whole-grain
foods, and vegetable oils should consumed in greater amounts. At least five
servings a day, two from fruits, and three from vegetables are recommended. I
know you asked for specifics, but to keep it simple, try to eat as much of
fruits and vegetables as you can in variety!
Water is important as well as mentioned earlier, and
they good thing with fruits and vegetables is that they have high water content
as well. 
Research has shown that high fat meal can increase the
number of inflammatory cytokines circulating throughout the body, and cause
oxidative stress to the body which Vitamin E helps reduce. So no junk food, no
high-sugary drinks, and definitely no foods high in sodium. Another thing to
keep in mind are polyunsaturated fatty acids which you may know as Omega 3s and
Omega 6s (oils that remain liquid at room temperature and slightly cooler
temperatures). Primary sources of poly-un-saturated fatty acids are plant oils
such as soybean, sunflower, corn, and safflower oil. These oils are help form biologically
active compounds such as prostaglandins, interleukins, and thromboxanes all of
which have a role in inflammation. 
The balance of Omega 3s to Omega 6s intake is also important for
health. Typical Western diets tend to be much higher in omega 6 fatty acids
rather than Omega 3 fatty acids. Ideally, Omega 6 and Omega 3 should be
consumed in a ratio of no more than 3:1. The ratio is important for modulating
inflammation. The Omega 6 fatty acids help form inflammatory molecules such as
prostaglandin E and leukotriene B. Thus, excess consumption of Omega 6 fatty
acids promotes inflammation, while consumption of long-chain Omega 3s is
anti-inflammatory. To keep it simple…
Eat foods higher in Omega 3s – flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts,
and Canola oils, to name a few.
So...yes, you can try eating an anti-inflammatory diet to see if it helps. There still is no research looking at the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet on occurrence of capsular contracture. So I cannot conclusively recommend this to prevent capsular contracture, but it does not hurt to try.Hope this helps.
Remember, you also want to maintain strict ongoing
follow-up with your surgeon to make sure your breasts are healing beautifully
without complications.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

I think an anti-inflammatory diet can potentially help your healing and overall well-being, though I don't think it is going to have an effect on your implants.  Apart from massage, you may want to talk to your surgeon about the small benefit of adding Singulair to your medication regimen.  This has been shown to slightly decrease rates of contracture.  Best of luck!

Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Reginaa.    I appreciate your concern, and choosing a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables and olive oil in a reasonable conclusion, especially because it is a healthy diet in general. However I would recommend daily massage of your implants, moving them up and down within their pocket, as an excellent exercise to greatly reduce the chance of capsular contracture. I have been advising this to my patients for some 25 years, and the incidence of capsular contracture within my patient population is lower than the national average, and I believe that is one of the reasons. Ask your surgeon how to properly do it, and massage them once a day, it's worth it!

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

I give my patients Vitamin E and Accolate to try to avoid capsules. Nothing is a guarantee that you will not got capsules. It's just the way you heal.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

I think that an anti-inflammatory diet is great for general health and well-being, but it does not have a specific impact on whether or not you develop capsular contracture. Follow your surgeons postoperative instructions.

Should I try this to avoid capsular contracture?

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Answer: To avoid capsules

Answer: To avoid capsules

Answer: Capsular Contracture

Answer: Capsular Contracture

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Should I try this to avoid capsular contracture?

Answers (7)

Answer: To avoid capsules

Answer: To avoid capsules

Answer: Capsular Contracture

Answer: Capsular Contracture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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