Can capsular contracture get worse?

Question

I was told that I have grade 2 capsular contracture today. I was wondering what are the risks of it getting worse and becoming grade 3 or 4?

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is an unfortunate and relatively uncommon sequelae of breast augmentation.  Most of the time, the capsule is stable and does not worsen.  However, soem of the time it does progress.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hopefully, your capsular contracture stays stable for a long time and does not worsen. Unfortunately, there is no way to anticipate what will happen.Watchful waiting and close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Noël Blythe Natoli, MD, FACS · Answer

Capsular contracture can get worse over time.   There is no real way of predicting whether or not it progresses.   If your surgery was recently then it may be progressing.  However, if your surgery was several years ago,  there is no reason to assume it will worsen.   The real question is whether or not you are happy with the appearance of the implants.   If not,  you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast to develop a plan for revision.

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

Unfortunately capsular contracture can get worse.  However that being said there are lots of patients that have grade 2 contracture that stay stable for many, many years.  So I would ask your surgeon if you should take medication like Singulair to help prevent further worsening.  Taking Vitamin E supplements can also help.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Yes, capsular contracture can get worse, but that is not universally true. To ask if yours will get worse would be asking what the future holds, so there is no true answer available.

Can capsular contracture get worse?

Answers (5)