What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation and occurs in 5% of breast augmentations (higher in post-mastectomy reconstruction). As you heal from breast augmentation, scar tissue may form a tight or constricting capsule around the breast implant, contracting it until it becomes firm, shifts out of place, or becomes painful.
Causes
While most capsular contractures have no identifiable cause, this condition may result from breast trauma, radiation therapy, infection, or the placement of implants too large for the amount of skin coverage. Capsular contractures may also occur following hematoma (bleeding under the skin) and seromas (fluid collections that may develop around the breast implant after surgery).
What Does Capsular Contracture Feel Like?
Symptoms of capsular contracture occur over time. The Baker Grading system is used to measure the degree of the capsular contracture. The four grades of capsular contracture are:
- Grade I: The breast is soft and looks natural.
- Grade II: The breast is slightly firm, but looks normal.
- Grade III: The breast is firm and looks abnormal.
- Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful and looks abnormal.
Capsular Contracture Treatment Options:
Dr. Roth and his team will happily assist you in evaluating and discussing your capsular contracture treatment options. If you have recently had a breast augmentation or breast reconstruction with a breast implant, and are concerned about possible issues, please contact Dr. Roth today.
Recovering from Capsular Contracture Surgery
Recovery from capsular contracture surgery is comparable to post-breast augmentation recovery. As with most post-operative regimens, you’ll need to avoid smoking, physical exertion, and blood thinners. Recovery usually takes two to three weeks.