Best Ways Pre and Post Surgery to Avoid Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is one of the most difficult
problems seen following breast augmentation surgery. For this reason every
effort should be made to avoid this complication before it occurs. Even when
these efforts are made capsular contracture may still occur because of wound
healing biology.Several steps can be taken at the time of surgery to
minimize the potential for this complication. These include submuscular implant
placement, avoidance of large implants, meticulous hemostasis, and avoidance of
infection and biofilm formation.Following surgery, most surgeons recommend implant
displacement exercises. When early signs of capsular contracture are noted,
some surgeons start their patients on a course of vitamin E or Singulair. Many
surgeons feel that these maneuvers are helpful, but no scientific evidence is
available to support their use.Despite these efforts, capsular contracture may still
occur. If capsular contractures occur and don’t respond to conservative
management surgical intervention may be necessary.If you have a history of capsular contracture, it’s
important to discuss the management of this problem with your plastic surgeon
prior to surgery. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plant
that minimizes the potential for this complication.

Hello! Thank you for your question! Recurrent capsular contracture is a very difficult problem. Assuming you tried conservative measures in the past - implant massage and may add the medication Singulair and Vitamin E. If these fail, surgical correction may be 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 capule 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. Irrigating with certain medications may also be if benefit. Some other things that may have been tried include changing the position of your implant, addition of a dermal matrix, or consideration for the the shaped, textured, anatomical gel implants. Without knowing your issues and without an examination, it is difficult to tell you what may be the best thing for you. I tend to favor performing capsulectomies in order to create a fresh pocket, reshape the pocket, allow better shape and adherence of the overlying breast. I would discuss your issues with your plastic surgeon who will assist you in determining the right modality for you. At a 3rd recurrence, it may continue to occur despite all of these modalities and consideration for explantation or living with the contracture are options. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Capsular contraction is a very frustrating complication that may occur despite best efforts and regardless of the specific incision, technique, and/or maneuvers performed during breast augmentation surgery. Nevertheless, in my opinion, meticulous attention to detail is an important factor when it comes to avoidance of this complication. For example, the use of a "no touch" technique, avoidance of contamination, avoidance of bleeding around the breast implant... mail be helpful when it comes to avoidance of this complication. Best wishes.