Capsular Contracture - How can I detect it early?

Question

From what I‘ve read from people‘s own experience, most women notice they have capsular contracture when their breats hardens, sits higher, or is painful. These symptoms seems to be the higher grade III and IV CC. My question is, how can I tell if I have grade I or grade II CC?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Capsular Contracture is when the implant in the breasts becomes hard, not mobile, and sometimes can cause pain/discomfort.  The area above the breast can also get red and look swollen. It is always best to schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon if any of these symptoms occur.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Itme_e,

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

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

This is such and insightful question. I do not know why, but grade 1 capsular contracture is not a pathologic contracture at all. It is a normal breast on exam. If you had grade 2, he would have no change in the aesthetics you might notice that one side is a little firm. In general, we do not operate on this. In many woman one side might seem a little bit more firm, but this could be for other reasons such as muscle bulk or breast tissue differences between the sides. The chance of the contracture getting worse is probably quite a bit higher if any operation were done to soften the capsule.

Remember, most women with breast implants do not ever get capsular contracture and it is probably best to not think about it too much! Good luck with everything.

Remember, most women with breast implants do not ever get capsular contracture and it is probably best to not think about it too much!  Good luck with everything.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Contracture is a progressive process which is evaluated clinically.

Everyone will develop a capsule post augmentation. However, some will experience excessive scarring or contracture as additional layers are added over time. This additional scarring will eventually compress the device leading to the clinical changes.

Low grade contracture is undetectable with no clinical sign. This will progress to a tactile change where the breast hardens to the touch. This can eventually progress to visible distortion and eventually pain.

Capsular contracture requires evaluation by a plastic surgeon.  This will allow for accurate grading.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Grade 1 is a normal capsule. The breast appears and feels normally soft. Grade 2 the breast appears normal and is slightly firmer than a grade 1 breast and not often noticeable to the average person. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Hello, it's Dr. Berat. With a 245 cc implant and no pregnancy or breastfeeding history, an internal bra is usually not needed when using the Motiva Preserve technique with over-the-muscle placement, assuming good skin quality. The implant is light, and natural tissue support is generally sufficient.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After breast augmentation every implant will have a scar capsule form around it.  This is natural and expected.  In some patients over time the scar capsule can thicken or tighten around the implant.  It can make the breast feel hard, shift, or even hurt.  In the beginning stages look for changes such as the breast feeling firm.  In the early phases you may be able to improve capsular contractures through medication.  If you have concerns, visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Capsular Contracture - How can I detect it early?

Answers (7)

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