What is the Best Way to Treat Capsular Contracture at Home?

Question

I would like to know if deep tissue massage regularly is the best way? using a massage machine that vibrates and pulsates at different levels regularly? or regularly laying down on the floor face down applying pressure on the implant with the Contracture to stretch it? or all 3 combined, also what about medicine? if so what? I appreciate any advice towards my question, thanks.

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

It really depends on how long you have noticed it…If it is just starting, then I have had patients have success with alternating deep massage, laying on the floor face down, hands on breasts, and lifting your hips up off the ground so that all your weight is on your breast, and also laying face down on the kitchen counter and rocking on that breast…But this really only has some success if the CC is just starting! Once it has been there for over 4-6 months, probably not.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is when the body develops significant scar tissue around the implant and cause the implant to deform in appearance as well as causing pain in the long term.  There are many many reasons why capsular contracture can happen, but one of the main reason that capsular contracture happens is from biofilm (from bacteria) gets on the implant and causes the body to "wall off" the implant.There is no real good treatment other than surgery, but some things that many possibly help if caught early on are medications and implant/scar massage.I would recommend you see your plastic surgeon or find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who has experience in breast revision surgery who can evaluate you and discuss with you your options.Hope that helps.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Capsular #Contraction is the scar tissue that forms around the implant is a natural response to a foreign object implanted in the body. The capsule can tighten and squeeze the implant making it firm. This is referred to as capsular contracture. This #firmness (breast capsule) can range from slight to very hard. The firmest ones can cause varying degrees of discomfort or pain. Capsular contracture can occur in one breast or both. Those experiencing this are candidates for Breast #Revision Surgery.  An implant revision or exchange intends to replace the damaged #implants with new silicone or saline filled implants with newer technology.  Secondary breast surgery can be #complex and needs to be done by an experienced plastic surgeon. The specific procedure to be performed will depend on the complications experienced and the condition of the implants.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!  Sorry to hear of your issues with capsular contracture, which is often difficult to deal with.  Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary.   It is a matter of surgeon 
preference as well as what is seen during your procedure that will 
determine whether or not a complete capsulectomy is performed. If 
significant capsule formation is seen intraoperatively, a full capsule 
removal may be warranted with a drain in order to completely remove all 
of the tissue and allow better adherence of your breast back to its 
normal anatomic position down on your chest wall. If minimal contracture
 is seen, it may be possible to leave the capsule, or place cuts within 
the capsule to allow better adherence. It truly is dependent on what is 
seen with your capsule and the issues that may be causing you to have 
such a procedure (e.g., contracture from ruptured implant vs pain vs 
simple pocket adjustment, etc).  Implants may or may not be replaced depending on your discussion and reason for capsulectomy.  At home, implant massage is one that has shown benefit.  The methods you state may have some benefit as well.  I would discuss with your surgeon about the use of other medications, such as Singulair, that has some proven benefit for treatment of recurrent contracture.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Not every plastic surgeon recommends implant massage
following breast augmentation but the vast majority of surgeons believe it’s
extremely important.This procedure is
designed to prevent the development of capsular contractures.Unfortunately, once the capsule has
developed, the effectiveness of this technique is minimal. For
this reason, the majority of patients with severe capsular contractures require
re-operative surgery. Before proceeding with implant massage, it’s important to
thoroughly discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.He will teach you the proper technique of
massage if this proves to be indicated.Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients with severe capsular
contractures require secondary surgery.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You need to see your surgeon to determine what you can do to help treat capsular contracture. It is important that they give you this advice since you may make your condition worse if what you do is done improperly. Best of luck.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

The best way to prevent capsular contracture is to do breast massages both medially and superiorly 3x per day. You should do this for at least the first year after breast augmentation and continue it daily thereafter for the duration of the implants to minimize closure of the capsule.

Christian A. Prada, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases surgical intervention will be needed in patients who develop capsular contracture. Singulair, breast message and Vit E can be used but likely have very little effect. Time likely will either help relax the capsule somewhat or keep it relatively unchanged. Follow up closely with your surgeon, but be prepared for possible surgical intervention if things are not better between 6-9 months. Good Luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there are no proven effective treatments that you can do to either prevent or treat capsular contracture on your own. Though some doctors recommend massage, there is absolutely no scientific evidence that it helps prevent contractures. See your plastic surgeon, who is in the best position to evaluate and treat.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. The best way to treat a capsular contracture is to visit your surgeon and have him or her do a full evaluation since there are different degrees of this condition. Medical advice and instructions would be best to come from your surgeon alone. Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

What is the Best Way to Treat Capsular Contracture at Home?

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