What Are the Signs You Have Capsular Contracture?

When it comes to breast augmentation, Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, FL, is proud to offer personalized, expert care rooted in decades of experience. With over 30 years of refined surgical expertise, our board-certified team delivers consistently outstanding results. Though breast augmentation is typically safe and highly rewarding, it’s important to be aware of potential complications—particularly one called capsular contracture, which can affect both the look and feel of your results.

Let’s take a closer look at what capsular contracture is, how to recognize it, and how our team at PVPS helps patients address it with care and precision.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation when the body’s natural scar tissue response becomes overly aggressive. Normally, a thin capsule of scar tissue forms around the implant to protect it—this is expected and often beneficial. However, in some cases, this capsule thickens and tightens, putting pressure on the implant. This can lead to breast firmness, discomfort, or visible distortion.

Though not common, capsular contracture can affect patients with both saline and silicone implants and is most often seen within the first two years after surgery.

Early Signs of Capsular Contracture

Recognizing capsular contracture in its early stages can allow for less invasive correction and a more favorable outcome. Here are some early indicators to watch for:

• Increased firmness: The breast feels harder than normal, often more noticeable on one side.
• Tightness: A sensation of pressure or constriction around the implant.
• Mild asymmetry: One breast may begin to look slightly higher or different in shape than the other.
• Discomfort: A feeling of tightness or tenderness in the affected breast.

More Advanced Symptoms

As capsular contracture progresses, symptoms tend to intensify:

• Breast pain: Persistent or sharp discomfort that worsens over time.
• Visible distortion: The breast may appear overly round, ball-shaped, or unnaturally elevated on the chest.
• Pronounced asymmetry: One breast appears noticeably different in size, shape, or height.
• Firmness: The implant feels rigid and lacks the natural softness of healthy tissue.

Who Is at Risk?

While capsular contracture can happen to anyone with breast implants, certain factors may elevate the risk:

• Previous radiation therapy
• Implant rupture
• Post-operative hematoma (internal bleeding)
• Infection or microbial biofilm
• Autoimmune disorders
• Implants placed above the muscle
• Larger implant sizes

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, we take proactive steps to minimize these risks. We utilize the Keller Funnel® in every case to reduce bacterial contamination and tissue trauma. Additionally, our use of Crisalix 3D imaging supports precise implant planning to optimize outcomes and lower the chance of complications.

Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture

The right treatment depends on the severity of the condition. At PVPS, your surgeon will evaluate your needs and may recommend one of the following approaches:

• Capsulectomy: Removing both the implant and the scar tissue around it.
• Implant exchange: Replacing the current implant with or without additional supportive material.
• Flap reconstruction: In complex or recurrent cases, reconstructing the breast using your own tissue—such as a DIEP or latissimus dorsi flap—to restore a natural appearance without the need for implants.