Does Singulair help prevent CC?

Question

My surgery is in less than a week and I have been doing so much daily reading regarding my procedure. I have come across a number of plastic surgeons who always prescribe Singulair a week prior to surgery and through the healing process in an effort to prevent capsular contraction. Does this really help? If so, why isn't it standard of care for all breast augmentation?

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
At the moment, there is no evidence to prescribe Singulair for all patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery but some surgeons may choose to do so routinely. 
Singulair is typically prescribed in patients with history of capsular contracture in the past to prevent recurrence of capsular contracture. 
I suggest that you speak to your Plastic Surgeon regrading your specific questions and concerns.
I hope this helps.Good luck!
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Singulair's effectiveness is anecdotal and any benefit obtained seems to stop as soon as the medication is discontinued.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

If you want to avoid capsular contracture, find a surgeon who abides by evidence based best practices: Making an appropriate implant choice based on anatomy and aesthetic goals, using an inframammary incision, performing careful electrocautery surgery to create a sub-pectoral pocket, irrigating the pockets with antibiotic containing saline and Betadine, and the use of a funnel to deliver the implants. Surgeons who adhere to this protocol have nearly a ten fold reduced risk of capsular contracture. Singulair has not proven to be more effective than placebo.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear YogiMama76,
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 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The use Singulair affect breast augmentation has not been studied adequately to determine if it works. I suspect it doesn’t help but I don’t know for sure

Does Singulair help prevent CC?

Answers (6)

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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Does Singulair help prevent CC?

Answers (6)

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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