Breast Implant Hardening (Capsular Contracture): Treatment Options
Dr. Hadi Michael Rassael has helped many patients in the greater Washington DC metro area with their aesthetic goals. One of the most popular surgeries for this is breast augmentation, which uses saline or silicone implants to enhance size, shape, and contour of the bustline and enhance other curves in the process.
Complications may occur after surgery as a result of poor healing conditions or accidents during the recovery process. One serious complication to consider is capsular contracture, which we'd like to cover right now.
About Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture refers to the tightening and squeezing of the scar tissue that forms around a breast implant. When this happens, the breast implant becomes compressed, warping its shape and making the breast itself feel very hard as a result. This is a complication that can occur after undergoing breast augmentation surgery, though thankfully the likelihood of it occurring is relatively low.
Signs of Capsular Contracture
The primary signs of capsular contracture are warping of breast shape and breast texture. Patients will generally recognize the problem as they heal, noting the change to overall breast shape and feel. Breast pain is another major sign of capsular contracture, so any combination of odd appearance and discomfort in the breast area should be brought up with your surgeon as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that any level of shape distortion or added hardness/firmness to the breasts is worth bringing up as you heal. Sometimes the shape and texture changes will be relatively minor in nature, so be sure to remain attentive.
Treatments for Capsular Contracture
The ideal treatment for capsular contracture is revision surgery. This will involve the removal of the breast implants and the replacement of the implants with new ones that are less likely to have scar tissue harden and form around them. When possible, the same incisions used for the first breast augmentation surgery will be used again for the revision in order to minimize scarring and the effects of the surgical process.
The exact nature of your surgical treatment will be discussed in greater detail when you stop by the practice for a consultation for revision surgery.
Preventing Capsular Contracture
One of the best ways to prevent capsular constracture or at least make it less likely is the use of submuscular implant placement. This means putting the implants beneath the pectoral muscle rather over the pectoral muscle. Patients are also asked to follow pre-op and post-op instructions closely as these will ensure ideal conditions for healing.
Other Matters to Keep in Mind
In addition to capsular contracture, there are many other kinds of issues that you may face as you heal following breast augmentation surgery. These potential complications include infection, poor surgical results, and implant ruptures. We will be more than happy to cover all of these matters in greater detail during your visit so that you have realistic expectations about the procedure and are empowered by your understanding of potential risks.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation surgery and if it would be the ideal option for you and your needs, be sure to contact our cosmetic surgery center today. Dr. Rassael will help you achieve an enhanced appearance through safe and effective advanced rejuvenation techniques.
