Breast augmentation is the most effective way to add volume to your chest and get your desired shapely figure. As with any surgery, there are some risks that come with breast augmentation. One of the more common conditions tied to this procedure is capsular contracture.But what exactly is capsular contracture? Are there signs or symptoms you need to watch for that may make you aware before it becomes an issue? How can you treat capsular contracture if it happens to you?
Capsular Contracture: What Is It?
Capsular contracture is the most common issue women face after having breast augmentation with implants. While it can be uncomfortable (and painful in severe cases), capsular contracture is generally not a risk to your overall health.When you have foreign objects implanted in any area of your body, the natural reaction your body’s immune system may have is to “cut off” the objects. In the case of breast augmentation, the objects would be the breast implants. You could develop capsular contracture if your body attempts to isolate the implants by increasing scar tissue around them.There isn’t a foolproof way to know in advance if you’ll experience capsular contracture after breast augmentation. However, women who have had previous surgeries or injuries and have an extensive amount of scarring may be prone to the condition. Since capsular contracture is scar tissue, those with certain genetic traits may be more likely to see excess scar tissue–and potentially capsular contracture–after their breast augmentation.Recognizing The Symptoms
As you heal after your breast augmentation, there are a few signs you can keep an eye out for to detect capsular contracture. These include:- Painful breast tissue
- A firm or hard feeling around and in your breast tissue
- Tightness in your breasts
- Breasts that become asymmetrical, uneven, or misshaped
- Decrease in mobility of muscles or tissue due to breast/chest tightness
- Breasts that seem raised or sit higher on your chest
How To Treat Capsular Contracture
A few non-surgical options are available to treat capsular contracture. Methods like laser or ultrasonic therapy can help in less severe cases. Doctors may also recommend medications to help with some of the symptoms. Another technique is massage, though it can also be painful due to the pressure needed for this to be effective. Overall, non-surgical treatment techniques only help about half of the patients with capsular contracture.The best treatment for capsular contracture is surgery. A revision procedure is only necessary in cases that restrict mobility or cause severe pain or discomfort. Most women with mild capsular contracture don’t need to take any additional steps, at least not unless the condition becomes uncomfortable.Your surgeon will approach revision surgery in one of two ways: capsulotomy or capsulectomy.- Capsulotomy: Your surgeon creates more room and alleviates tightness by making small cuts in the capsules that are causing restriction.
- Capsulectomy: Your surgeon removes the contracted capsule and the implant. If you’ve chosen to replace the old implant, your surgeon’s next step is placing the new one before closing the incision.
