What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is an unfortunate complication that affects some women following a breast augmentation. Milind K. Ambe, M.D. advises all women who wish to have a breast augmentation to review this page before making a decision. Breast augmentation is not a difficult surgery to get, and there are many qualified surgeons to choose from. Choosing an experienced, responsible doctor is the best preventative measure for all complications.

Capsular contracture refers to the bodies’ natural process of rejecting a foreign object—most often an artificial joint, such as a knee, or a breast implant. The scar tissue that naturally surrounds the object will begin to harden and contract, sometimes necessitating another surgery. In the case of capsular contracture caused by a breast implant, the tightly woven collagen fibers that make up connective tissue, will surround the breast implant and begin to contract, causing considerable pain and increasing the risk of a rupture. In many cases, capsular contracture itself is the result of a leaking silicone implant. Even in a minor case, the aesthetic appearance and feel of an implant will be affected. The most common sign of a minor capsular contracture is increased separation of the breasts coupled with pain and tenderness.

Capsular contracture is divided, by severity, into several categories ranging from minor to severe. A minor contracture will cause implants to feel slightly harder than they should, though without having any effect on their aesthetic appearance. The most severe forms of capsular contracture occur when there is incredible pressure being put on an implant, the breast is hard, deformed in shape, and painful to the touch. In these rare cases, a correction surgery is necessary.

Ways to prevent capsular contracture:

The causes of capsular contraction are varied enough that a definitive prevention plan is impossible. Despite this, there are things women can do during the postoperative period to reduce the chance of complications significantly.

Having a breast augmentation done with appropriately sized implants decreases the chances of developing capsular contracture. Dr. Ambe works closely with his patients when it comes to choosing the right implant size for each individual.

Overactivity following an operation is the primary cause of all complications. Dr. Ambe gives every patient a customized postoperative plan, all of which include several days in bed and plenty of fluids. The demands after this initial period are different for each patient; however, deviation from any instructions could result in capsular contracture, undesirable results, and the necessity for corrective surgery.

Who to call?

Dr. Milind K. Ambe, M.D. has been featured on many news networks, including CNN, NBC, and Bravo for his success and incredibly high satisfaction rate. Breast augmentation is a serious surgery, and it should be performed by a Board Certified plastic surgeon. Call today for a consultation with Dr. Ambe: 949-759-5539.