What Are the Chances of Capsular Contracture?

Question

I haven't had surgery yet and keep putting off due to the worry of capsular contracture it seems to be the most common risk after a breast augmentation. I fear I might be one of the unlucky ones to get it. I can't see myself dishing out anymore money in the long run for revision after revision, fighting to keep them if I do get it but at the same time I want this so bad.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I perform about 500 breast augmentations each year, and I can count the number of capsulectomies I performed in the last year on one hand.  The risk is definitely less than 5%, but the number may be smaller than that.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast augmentations each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

Most studies show rate of severe capsular contracture at 2-10% in cosmetic breast implant patients.  For breast reconstruction the rate is likely higher.  Ask your surgeon, but personally I believe the chances are lower if the implants are placed "under the muscle".  Best of luck to you.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

from having an augmentation.  Life is about living and if larger breasts will make it much better for you, go for it.  Certainly risks for contractures can be reduced by surgeon technique and some are better than others.  But its really difficult to find that out.  If you do proceed, and are unfortunate enough to develop a contracture, try once to correct it but if you get a recurrence, I would suggest you not keep fighting it and remove your implants at that point or live with them as imperfect as they would then be.  And find a surgeon with a great revision policy so your costs are minimized if you have an early (<1 year from surgery) contracture.

Tracy Pfeifer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Any patient considering implant needs to know, as you do, that there is a chance of re-operation in the future.  Whether it is for capsular contracture, displacement, leak, etc.  The overall risk of capsular contracture is probably in the 2-10% range but it can vary according to the study and several factors.  We do know more about capsular contracture now than ever before.  It may be related to a biofilm associated with bacteria.  Experienced breast surgeons take many precautions to prevent this from happening: no incision around the areola, the use of triple antibiotic irrigation, not touching the implant, and the use of nipple shields.  There are other measures which may help as well such as use of a textured implant and the shaped implants appear to have lower capsular contracture rates compared to round implants.  If your surgeon follows these steps, it will help minimize the chances of capsular contracture but you must be prepared for possible revisional breast surgery no matter what.  Hope this helps.

	Tracy Pfeifer, MD, MS

Brian Dorner, MD · Answer

Generally the risk is around 10%, however with the advent of Strattice, this risk can be dropped to almost 0%.  Strattice is usually used if you get a capsular contracture due to the cost, however it is nice to have a solution for the problem if it does occur.

What Are the Chances of Capsular Contracture?

Answers (9)

Answer: Capsular contracture risk can be minimized

Answer: Capsular contracture risk can be minimized

Answer: What is the risk of capsular contracture?

Answer: What is the risk of capsular contracture?

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What Are the Chances of Capsular Contracture?

Answers (9)

Answer: Capsular contracture risk can be minimized

Answer: Capsular contracture risk can be minimized

Answer: What is the risk of capsular contracture?

Answer: What is the risk of 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.