Capsular Contracture

When you have a breast augmentation procedure, it can be a significant challenge if you do not have the results you want. Due to the nature of the procedure, some patients may experience complications that can interfere with the enjoyment of their results. If you are experiencing capsular contracture in Beverly Hills after a breast augmentation, Dr. Gabbay can provide a way back to feeling comfortable in your own body and restoring your well-being.

Contact Gabbay Plastic Surgery today to set up your consultation and learn if you are a candidate for capsular contracture treatment.

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What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a condition that can develop after breast augmentation when the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, causing an uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the breast area. In some cases, capsular contracture can cause pain or even disfigurement of the breast, interfering with your results and quality of life. For some patients, contractures may form within a few months of their procedure. Other patients, however, may have several years of normal breast augmentation results before a contracture forms.

Capsular Contracture Symptoms

For some patients, the first signs of capsular contracture may be subtle, but they can become more noticeable over time. Some key capsular contracture symptoms can include:

Firmness or tightness in the breast
Discomfort or pain
Restricted range of motion
Changes in the shape of the breast
Changes to the position of the breast or implant

Grades of Capsular Contracture

Grade I: No notable issues with breast shape and feel, requiring no treatment.
Grade II: Mild firmness but mostly normal appearance. Proper, gentle breast massage may improve tightened collagen fibers and delay progression. Treatment may still be beneficial.
Grade III: Medium and noticeable firmness with mild shape distortion. In some cases, medication may soften breasts but could require revision surgery to prevent progression.
Grade IV: Sore, hard, misshapen breasts that may feel cold to the touch. Requires surgery.

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Is Capsular Contracture Dangerous?

Capsular contracture is typically not a dangerous condition in regard to health, but it can be uncomfortable and interfere with the desired results of your breast augmentation. In some cases, you may experience some pain, but the condition typically does not threaten your physical well-being. However, it can still harm a patient’s overall quality of life, limiting their activities or social enjoyment due to how it impacts the body’s appearance. Dr. Gabbay can provide capsular contracture treatment to help you restore the desired shape and feel of your breasts.

How to Avoid Capsular Contracture

Though capsular contracture may still occur even if you take every precaution, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Dr. Gabbay recommends that patients follow all post-operative instructions carefully and maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve healing and reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Since the precise cause of this condition in individual patients can vary and is not entirely understood yet, reducing risk factors is key. While you cannot control genetic factors, by keeping the treatment area clean and focusing on proper recovery, you can reduce the risk significantly.

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Factors that Reduce Risk

Additionally, some factors can reduce the risk of developing this condition, including:

Choosing smaller implants: Disproportionately sized implants can place more strain on breast tissue, which increases rates of contracture.
Certain incision placements: Placing implants via an inframammary incision has the lowest incidence among augmentation incision types.
Breast implant placement: Submuscular placement for breast implants has the lowest rate of contracture. This means placing the implant under the pectoral muscle, limiting bacterial exposure.
Kennel Funnel: Implant placement with this device involves no direct contact between the surgeon and the implant. This facilitates a safer, sterile environment.
Choice of surgeon: Working with a board-certified, experienced surgeon with a proven track record encourages a safer procedure and better results.

Capsular Contracture versus Breast Cancer

Sometimes, patients may be concerned that what they feel is a sign of breast cancer. However, capsular contracture is neither a tumor nor a cancer. Instead, it is only a type of scar tissue, which does not pose a threat to your overall health.

Still, we always recommend having a specialist examine your breasts when you notice anything out of the ordinary in order to catch any problems in their early stages. Contact our office today to set up a consultation and exam with Dr. Gabbay, a premier plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

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Capsular Contracture Treatment at Gabbay Plastic Surgery

Dr. Gabbay offers capsular contracture treatment for Beverly Hills patients as well as patients from across the country, with each treatment adapted to match your individual needs.

Treatment for capsular contracture of a breast implant may involve:

Capsulotomy: Removal of the fibrous capsule that has formed around the implant. Uses only a small incision.
Capsulectomy: In some cases, breast implant removal or replacement may be recommended, depending on your individual case. Your surgeon may then replace the implant with another wrapped in a special material to form a protective layer.
Autologous reconstruction: When the implant is removed but not replaced, you can still restore the lost breast volume through autologous reconstruction. Instead of an implant, your surgeon will use tissue from another body area (such as body fat) to restore breast volume.

However, Dr. Gabbay will always look for a way to preserve your results when treating this condition, allowing you to finally enjoy the benefits of your breast augmentation procedure.

Dr. Gabbay’s capsular contracture treatment for Beverly Hills patients is tailored to meet individual needs and preferences to help you regain your desired look and feel after breast augmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can capsular contracture affect both breasts?

Yes, it can. While some patients may see capsule formation on only one breast, others may see both breasts affected.

Can I get a second breast augmentation after capsular contracture?

Another breast augmentation will be possible in some cases, and we recommend discussing this aspect with Dr. Gabbay during your consultation. Not every case will be suitable for another breast augmentation, but we also offer other procedures, such as fat transfer or a breast lift, to restore the shape and beauty of your breasts.

Can I treat capsular contracture without surgery?

In some cases, medication and physical therapy can prevent or slow the progression of this condition. These are most effective in earlier stages before scar tissue has fully formed.

Does implant type matter?

Capsular contracture can occur with any type of breast implant, but the highest risk appears to be associated with saline implants. Textured silicone implants and gummy bear implants appear to come with a decreased risk of capsular contracture compared to smooth implants.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you believe you may be experiencing capsular contracture after breast augmentation, contact Dr. Gabbay today to learn more about capsular contracture treatment in Beverly Hills. Book your consultation today to start working with a premier cosmetic surgeon in the Beverly Hills area. Dr. Gabbay is ready to help you achieve your desired results and restore your confidence with capsular contracture treatment.

At Gabbay Plastic Surgery, our team is prepared to help you feel radiant and confident. Call us today at (310) 388-9383 to schedule your appointment or to learn more about how we can help!

At Gabbay Plastic Surgery, our team is prepared to help you feel radiant and confident. Call us today at (310) 205-9500 to schedule your appointment or to learn more about how we can help!