Capsular Contracture is one of the most common complications that may arise out of an implant-based breast surgery such as the breast augmentation. As such, it is essential to understand why it happens and how it may be fixed through a revision breast augmentation surgery.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Whenever there is a foreign object such a prosthetic implant inside the body, the nervous system responds by creating a thin layer of scar tissue around it. In general, this scar tissue is flexible and soft.
Capsular Contracture occurs when the capsular or scar tissue that should form normally around the implant becomes tight and squeezes or contracts the implant until it loses its shape or develops a hard structure.
Since the capsule constricts the tissue and makes it stiff, it may look unnatural and cause a certain amount of discomfort as well. As the situation intensifies the operated breast might become misshapen and appear to be a solid, round structure on the chest.
Causes of Capsular Contracture
While the underlying reason of why some women experience Capsular Contracture and some don’t is not yet clear, there are certain risk factors that can potentially increase your chances of experiencing it. Some kind of infection, radiation, or trauma to the breast can end up causing Capsular Contracture in a previously operated on breast.
In some cases, a severe form of bruising associated with a surgery called post-surgical hematoma can also contribute to higher chances of Capsular Contracture. Apart from this, the common risk factors that might lead to Capsular Contracture include autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, perioral incision, size mismatch of implants, and the use of silicone implants.
How Does Revision Breast Augmentation Help?
While some women might not experience much of a problem with their Capsular Contracture, others might develop severe symptoms that are treatable only through a follow-up corrective surgery such as a revision breast augmentation.
In general, the revision breast augmentation is performed by making an incision in the breast tissue, removing the damaged implant along with the capsule and replacing it with a new implant.
Once the fresh implant has been placed in position, the body will gradually form another capsule around it. More often than not, the new capsule develops as normal scar tissue and does not pose any problem for the patient. As such, the revision breast augmentation has emerged as one of the most successful procedures for treating Capsular Contracture.
The recovery times for a revision breast augmentation surgery are similar to the traditional breast implant surgery.
Your selection of a plastic surgeon plays a critical role in determining the success of your breast implant surgery and minimizing risks of Capsular Contracture. However, if at all you do end up experiencing the issue, it is highly recommended that you consult a certified and qualified professional who has substantial experience in dealing with revision breast augmentation surgeries in the past.
Doing this, will eliminate any chances of a subsequent Capsular Contracture and ensure your complete peace of mind.
Contact Our Office
Interested in learning more about your breast revision options? Contact Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule your breast revision today!