Prevention of Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation
One of the best options out there for women who would like to enhance their overall appearance is breast augmentation. It's one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options in the world and it can make a major difference in a person's life. Advanced techniques in the surgery have actually made it much more effective than breast augmentations performed in the past.
With this in mind, there are potential complications that can affect a person's results. One serious complication is capsular contracture. We'd like to take a few moments right now to consider capsular contracture and how it can be prevented.
About Breast Augmentation Surgery
To understand capsular contracture, it's first a good idea to consider the basics of breast augmentation surgery. During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants are placed into the breasts in order to enhance the size, shape, and contour. The cosmetic surgeon creates a pocket in the breast area to accommodate the breast implant.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition in which scar tissue forms and hardens around the breast implants. This is your body's immune system response to a foreign object in the body. This scar tissue compresses the implant and makes it appear warped and hardened. It can lead to major pain and discomfort as a result and needs corrective surgery to remedy these problems.
Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
We ask that our breast augmentation patients look for the following potential symptoms of capsular contracture as they recovery from surgery:
- Hardening of the breasts/implants
- Distorted shape of the breasts
- Sensations of pain or discomfort
Usually the hardening or firmness of the breasts will be the first sign of capsular contracture, so if this is noticed, be sure to inform your surgeon so the issue can be examined as soon as possible.
Pre-Operative Steps to Prevent Capsular Contracture
In the preoperative stages of breast augmentation, your surgeon can prescribe vitamin E and prednisone (an immunosuppressant), which can help reduce chances of capsular contracture occurring.
Surgical Methods for Preventing Capsular Contracture
During the actual breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon can take various steps to prevent capsular contracture from occurring. By creating a good-sized pocket for the breast implant, capsular contracture becomes less likely. Also, if ideal for the patient's needs, the breast implant can be positioned beneath the chest muscle, which reduces the chances of capsular contracture as the patient heals.
Post-Operative Steps to Prevent Capsular Contracture
Patients who have drains placed after breast augmentation surgery should dutifully empty these drains as directed. Your surgeon may suggest massage therapy and certain stretching exercises that can help prevent capsular contracture as well. These exercises and massages are generally quite helpful for the overall healing proccess.
With all this in mind, be sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the letter after your breast augmentation surgery. This will help prevent all kinds of serious complications.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
For more information about breast implants and the many benefits of breast augmentation surgery, be sure to contact our Maryland cosmetic surgery center today. By meeting with our team for a consultation, you'll be able to learn a good deal about the surgical process and what it means for you.