When it comes to undergoing plastic surgery, there are always going to be risks. Thankfully, when working with a team of professionals like the experts at Texas Dermatology, they’re with you every step of the way to ensure you get the results you desire without having to struggle with unwanted complications. Today, we wanted to talk about a common complication with breast implants called capsular contracture.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms on the outside of the breast implant following surgery. This scar tissue forms a “capsule” around the breast implant, hence the name. While capsular contracture is typically associated with breast implants, it can occur to any medical or cosmetic implant inside the body. Capsular contracture of a breast implant can cause the breast implant to become hard, and can sometimes cause discomfort and interfere with the appearance of the breast.
What Causes Capsular Contracture?
Realistically, no matter how amazing your plastic surgeon is, capsular contracture may occur within two years following your breast augmentation. This condition is mainly dependent on how your body reacts to the introduction of an implant. Researchers theorize that scar tissue may form around your breast implants because of your genetic background, your family’s history of autoimmune diseases, or simply because of how your body reacts to the introduction of a foreign substance in the body. While there is no one way to be certain if you’ll be affected by capsular contracture, there are ways you can prevent it from happening and, in some cases, treat it.
How do I Prevent Scar Tissue from Forming?
There are several methods you can use to prevent capsular contracture from occurring, including:
- Thorough screening for autoimmune diseases and risk factors prior to surgery.
- Using the correct size implant for your body’s natural shape and frame.
- Using textured gel implants rather than smooth saline implants.
- Placing the breast implant under the muscle rather than just under the breast tissue.
- Gently massaging the breast and breast implant following surgery.
How Can I Treat my Capsular Contracture?
In less severe cases of capsular contracture, the patient will be able to live with the scar tissue without any discomfort or changes in their appearance. They will simply need to monitor their breast implant for further indications of progressing scar tissue. In more severe cases of capsular contracture, some patients will need to have a revision surgery to treat the affected breast implant. Revision surgery involves removing the implant with the scar tissue and replacing it with a new breast implant.
Do you still have questions about capsular contracture? Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert dermatologists and plastic surgeons. We’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a fully personalized treatment plan to help you reach your ultimate goals.
