What Are the Chances of Capsular Contracture?

           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

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.
 

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.