Fortunately, breast augmentation complications are fairly rare. However, they can occur from time to time. In most cases, they can be corrected and do not cause long-term problems if treated early. For this reason, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms that may indicate you are experiencing a problem with your breast implants. The award-winning team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, FL, are dedicated to providing the most exceptional level of surgical expertise and patient care to minimize the risk of breast implant complications, such as capsular contracture. Learn more about how to recognize the warning signs of capsular contracture, and find out what options you have should it happen to you.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a fairly rare but possible complication that can occur after breast augmentation with implants. Capsular contracture can affect women with either silicone or saline implants, though the incidence is slightly higher among patients with silicone gel breast implants. When an implant is placed, the body naturally forms a harmless capsule of scar tissue around the foreign body. In most cases, the scar tissue remains soft and flexible. However, some capsules become overly firm and begin to squeeze the implant. This is referred to as capsular contracture. Typically, patients who develop capsular contracture begin to notice the symptoms in the first several months – up to about two years – after surgery, though it can occur at any time.
What causes capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture does not always have a known cause, though it is thought in some cases to be associated with a bacterial infection. For other patients, capsular contracture can occur without an obvious explanation. While any woman with breast implants can develop capsular contracture, there are some risk factors that may increase the possibility of this complication developing, including:
- Breast trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Postoperative complications
- Surgical error
- Overly large implants
- Rupture of silicone implant
- Implant placed on top of the muscle
What does capsular contracture look like?
The signs and symptoms of capsular contracture often develop gradually over time, making it difficult to identify the complication early if you aren’t sure what you are looking for. Early signs of capsular contracture may include a firm or tight sensation, pain, or asymmetry. As the condition worsens, you may notice more obvious symptoms, including:
- Breast pain
- Asymmetry
- Firmness
- Tightness
- Round or ball-shaped breast
- High-riding breast
- Misshapen breast
If you begin to notice any signs that you suspect are associated with capsular contracture or another breast implant complication, call your surgeon right away to be evaluated and learn your options.
How is capsular contracture treated?
Depending on the severity of the case, the treatment for capsular contracture can vary. Most often, breast implant removal is required to correct an advanced case of capsular contracture. Because capsular contracture can recur even when a new implant is placed, many women elect to have their breast implants removed altogether. In this situation, a breast lift, fat transfer to the breast, or another treatment can help restore a more natural, appealing breast shape once the implant has been removed. In mild cases, the surgeon may be able to remove a portion of the scar tissue and create more space in the breast pocket to correct early capsular contracture. During your initial consultation at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, your expert surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your case and examine your breasts to determine the best course of action for relieving your symptoms and helping you achieve or restore the look you desire.
Minimize your risk for breast implant complication by selecting a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation in Jacksonville, FL
While capsular contracture can occur without explanation, one of the absolute best ways to minimize your overall risk for breast implant complications is to choose a qualified, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation. Should capsular contracture happen to you, the exceptional team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery can provide quick, effective, and reliable treatment to correct your condition and restore a natural, beautiful look. Call our convenient Jacksonville, FL team to schedule your private consultation to discuss breast augmentation, capsular contracture, and the life-changing benefits of cosmetic breast surgery today.
