In most cases, breast augmentation is successful in creating beautiful and safe breast enhancement results. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is a degree of risk. Some women develop a complication known as capsular contracture. If you are considering undergoing breast augmentation, it is important for you to understand all of the possible risks and complications that come with the procedure, including capsular contracture.
In this blog post, Dr. Rob Kessler discusses the complication in detail, as well as how it can be treated and prevented.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
As part of your body’s natural response to surgery, a lining of scar tissue will form around your breast implants. The scar tissue forms a capsule, which in normal cases should be soft and flexible. In a small percentage of patients, the scar tissue hardens around the implant. Known as capsular contracture, this condition can cause the breast to look and feel unnaturally round and hard. The breast may also feel tight and painful. When capsular contracture occurs, surgery is the only solution.
Correcting Capsular Contracture with Breast Revision Surgery
Breast revision surgery is designed to address cosmetic concerns and complications following primary breast augmentation. The exact technique used during breast revision depends on the problem being addressed. To correct capsular contracture, Dr. Kessler will remove the scar tissue, capsule and implant. He can either remove the implant altogether or replace it with a new implant.
How to Prevent Capsular Contracture
While capsular contracture can happen to any breast augmentation patient, there are a number of ways that you can reduce your risk of developing the condition. First, research shows that placing the breast implant below the chest muscle reduces the risk of capsular contracture. However, the best implant placement technique will ultimately depend on the patient’s unique case. When meeting with your plastic surgeon, be sure to have them discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each placement technique.
Minimizing contact of a breast implant with the environment during surgery has also been demonstrated to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Dr. Kessler uses a “No Touch” technique with a Keller funnel to further decrease the likelihood of this complication.
Adhering to your doctor’s post-op recovery guidelines is key in lowering your risk of developing capsular contracture and other complications. These instructions will include not exercising too soon after surgery and avoiding certain medications.
The best way to reduce your risk of developing any complication following breast augmentation is by working with a qualified breast enhancement surgeon. Dr. Kessler is a highly respected plastic surgeon with years of experience performing breast augmentation. Thanks to his advanced surgical training, skill and adherence to the highest safety standards, he has a track record of delivering safe and successful results.
To learn more about breast augmentation or revision, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Kessler. Contact his Newport Beach practice by calling 949.644.6544 today.