Understanding Capsular Contracture
Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most sought-after procedures in female plastic surgery. While complications after breast augmentation are quite rare, they can happen. One concern following breast surgery is capsular contracture. Although a study from the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons reported that capsular contracture occurs in less than 3% of patients, women should still understand this complication and learn what they can do about it if it should develop.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture develops during the healing process after getting breast implants. It is a natural and normal reaction for your body to form a capsule of scar tissue around any foreign body that is introduced. However, when this scar tissue becomes unusually hard and begins to contract around the implant, it causes a condition called capsular contracture. The problem with capsular contracture is that it can not only cause pain but also distort the ideal appearance of the breasts after your augmentation. Capsular contracture can happen within weeks of your plastic surgery or after several months.
Lowering Your Risk Capsular Contracture
While not every case of capsular contracture is preventable, there are some things you can do after your procedure to lower your chances of developing this breast surgery complication, including the following:
- Don’t smoke
- Reduce activity level (no jostling, hitting or shaking breast)
- Wear compression garments
- Perform instructed breast massages
At Avance Plastic Surgery, we are diligent to do our part in minimizing your risk of capsular contracture. These measures include placing the implants under the chest muscle, limiting the handling of the implant during surgery and using the proper size implant for each patient.
Recognizing Capsular Contracture
A board certified plastic surgeon can diagnose and treat your capsular contracture. Like most post-surgery complications, the earlier it is detected, the more easily and conservative it can be treated. If you notice misshapen or high-riding breasts or a feeling of tightness and pain in your breasts within the first two years after your augmentation, please schedule an appointment with us at Avance Plastic Surgery as soon as possible.
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5588 Longley Lane, Suite A
Reno, NV 89511
Phone: (775) 800-4444
FAX: (775) 205-8322
Email: info@avanceinstitute.com