Who is more at risk for capsular contracture or is it random?

Thank you for your question.There is always a risk of capsular contracture with any breast augmentation. It is hard to predict which patient will be at more risk. Having a previous history of a capsular contracture however does put a patient at higher risk of reoccurrence.You may learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Best regards

There aren't any known risk factors for developing capsular contracture other than having had one previously. The good news is that we see capsular contracture less often today than in years past due to improvement in surgical techniques and implants.

Hello there Unfortunately - other than a previous of capsular contracture - there are no patient-related factors that are predictive for capsular contracture .Capsular contracture is much less common than it used to be due to better surgical methods and better implants .But no , you can't really predict which person will be at risk .CheersTS

Capsular contracture is still not completely understood and it will happen in a certain percentage of patients over time.  There are several factors that can be controlled and others that cannot.  Use of antibiotics, meticulous technique, choice of incisions, and use of a Keller Funnel to introduce the implant can minimize the risk of capsular contracture but not completely eliminate it.  It is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced with breast augmentation surgery and discuss your goals and concerns.  Together you can make a plan that will optimize your chances of obtaining your desired results.

Dear girlybabe,Capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is believed by many that bleeding, infection, and trauma are associated with early capsular contracture. So, it would be reasonable that people more prone to these might have a higher chance of developing this.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author 

Thank you for your question.  Capsular contracture, a thickening and tightening of the thin capsular tissue that forms around the breast implant,  is the most common serious complication following breast augmentation.  Research is ongoing to help us better understand this process. What we do know is that while many factors have been implicated, capsular contracture is most likely a multi-factorial problem. It may be related to bacteria, and is known to be more common in patients receiving radiation therapy, but there is still no accepted understanding of the exact cause.  It is best to have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to guide you through the process.  Best of luck.

The true scientific proven cause of capsular contractures has yet to be determined. There are several factors that have been shown to perhaps exacerbate or be involved with them. Some theories point at bacterial contamination, and as a result, numerous attempts at keeping implants as sterile as possible are done. Several are effective, but some contractures persist. Others point at an immunologic activation that is a foreign body reaction, and the activating factor is unknown. some point to blood contamination creating a thick capsule that contracts. Ruptured gel implants are also implicated.
Studies persist, and we are constantly improving surgical methods and techniques to eliminate contractures, but no one method yet eliminates all of them

Capsular contracture is a risk with any breast implant. Previous capsular contracture is a definite risk for recurrent contracture. Also, previous infection with a resistant bacteria such as MRSA may increase the chance of infection after augmentation and possibly capsular contracture. Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and make sure they use pocket irrigation of Betadine or antibiotic irrigation.Sincerely,Thomas C. Wiener, MDHoustonthis information is not a substitute for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon

Dear Girlybabe,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. To date, the main patient-specific risks for capsular contracture are 1) a previous history of capsular contracture, 2) breast implant infection, and 3) breast implant hematoma (i.e., bleeding around the implant). Surgeon specific preventative precautions include the use of antibiotic irrigation, no-touch implant technique, and a number of other factors. A few factors that are under your control are: 1) no nicotine use AT ALL (e.g., smoking, patch, vaping), and 2) using a leukotriene inhibitor (e.g., monteleukast, accolate) postop for 90 days. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

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