Capsular contracture for 7 years - What are my options? (photos)

Question

Hello! I currently am 5’4 150, I have 550cc silicone mentor implants over the muscle. I did have a breast lift and reduction in 2008 and had the augmentation in 2013. It’s now 2024 and I have a capsular contractor that has been here since around 2017 or so. It hasn’t gotten too much worse and not too noticeable or painful, but I can definitely tell it’s a little higher. I’ve had a few consults and have had multiple diff opinions on how to fix. Just wanting more opinions!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hal9103,

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Raja Mohan, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery, when the scar tissue around a breast implant tightens and hardens: ExplanationThe body forms a thin, pliable, and translucent capsule of scar tissue around a breast implant as a normal response to the foreign object. However, in capsular contracture, the capsule thickens and tightens, squeezing the implant and causing the breast to feel hard and painful, and look abnormal. SeverityCapsular contracture can range in severity from mild to severe. The Baker Scale is used to grade the severity of capsular contracture: Grade I: No contracture or asymptomatic Grade II: Mild contracture that is painless and almost undetectable Grade III: Moderate contracture with some firmness and discomfort Grade IV: Severe contracture that is painful and can be diagnosed by observation alone PrevalenceAbout one in six women who have breast augmentation surgery will experience some degree of capsular contracture. CauseCapsular contracture is caused by anything that leads to inflammation of the capsule. TreatmentPlastic surgeons can perform breast augmentation revision procedures to treat capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture for 7 years - What are my options? (photos)

Answers (3)

More Capsular Contracture Treatment Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (3)

More Capsular Contracture Treatment Questions

Does this look like capsular contracture? 9 months in (Photo)

Is MRI the only method to show if I have capsular contracture?

360cc silicone - is there another medicine I can take for capsular contracture

Operating on only one side?

Capsular contracture? Muscles too tight? Implants too high? Implants too big? Which one? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS