Does a capsular contracture require treatment or can you live with it?

Question

I developed a CC that my surgeon failed to diagnose. I have had it for almost 3 years now, by the time I got an honest diagnosis I was pregnant and then breastfeeding. I do not feel pain but I do have a sensation of tightness. It does not look bad. You The implant is firm but still somewhat flexible. I really do not like it, but: 1) I cannot afford to pay for another surgery, even with Care Credit; 2) I would like to become pregnant again soon 3) there is no guarantee it wont happen again.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

A capsular contracture is your natural response to something foreign in your body.  I think the prevailing philosophy is that it may result from bacteria which is why it is a bigger problem with implants are on top of the muscle (where bacteria live) rather than under the muscle.  The capsule itself is not dangerous.  It is more of a nuisance due to discomfort, firmness, or distortion of the breast.  If you are not having any of these symptoms then it is not a problem to leave it alone for now.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Non-surgical management of capsular contracture includes prophylactic massage to prevent it and if it occurs, the use of certain anti-asthma medications: Singulair and sometimes Acculate as off-label FDA usage to treat Capsular Contracture and in some cases of recurrence of capsular contracture in a preventative fashion. In my experience this works best for early diagnosed early contractures and used as a prophylactic, perioperatively when doing a capsular contracture surgery. The price for capsular contracture surgery varies greatly by geographical location, experience of the surgeon, whether in an outpatient surgery center vs hospital (hospital more expensive), type of breast implant, whether it is ruptured or not, estimated length of operating room time, and other factors.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear of your CC issues.  You can absolutely "live with it" if the CC is not causing you any significant issues - pain, implant deformity, implant malposition, etc.  I would let your surgeon know so that you can discuss future treatment options when your financial and family situation changes.  Hope this helps.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.There are varying grades of capsular contracture:Grade I —
the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape

Grade II
— the breast is a little firm, but appears normal

Grade III
— the breast is firm and appears abnormal

Grade IV
— the breast is hard, painful to the touch, and appears abnormal

From your description, it sounds like you have grade II.  This can possibly be treated with medical management.  Discuss with your surgeon as since you are planning to become pregnant might be best to wait.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

James D. Frost, MD · Answer

You ask a very intelligent question.  You also answer it very intelligently yourself.There is no danger in living with a capsular contracture.  Many women do just that.  A contracture that is not painful and not causing distortion of the breast is something that many women choose to "live with".  You are also correct that there is no guarantee that it won't recur after more surgery.  If it becomes more of a problem, you can always change your mind and have it treated in the future.Thanks for your question.  Good luck with the next pregnancy.

Does a capsular contracture require treatment or can you live with it?

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Does a capsular contracture require treatment or can you live with it?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants / Capsular Co

Answer: Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants / Capsular Co

Answer: Good question

Answer: Good question

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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