If left untreated, capsular contracture can cause serious and permanent deformity of the breast. Symptoms can worsen over time and there may be an increase in pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.
Eventually, it can become so severe that the breast tissue will harden and deform to the point where surgical repair of the breast is necessary. It is also possible that the breast implants may need to be removed and replaced in order to resolve any issues.
Not only can capsular contracture cause physical deformities, but it can also cause psychological distress and self-consciousness in the patient due to the appearance of their breasts. Treatment for capsular contracture is necessary in order to restore the natural shape and appearance of the breast.
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Can you leave capsular contracture untreated?
No, capsular contracture should not be left untreated. It is an adverse reaction to breast implants that occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant tightens and squeezes the implant, causing it to become hard and misshapen, and can cause a variety of painful symptoms, including breast tenderness, pain, swelling and increased firmness.
If left untreated, the condition can worsen over time and cause further deformities in the breast, accompanied by increasing amounts of discomfort and loss of feeling, including the possibility of breast tissue damage.
Capsular contracture can also contribute to scarring and deformities in the breast, so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Treatment typically includes the removal of the capsule surrounding the implant, a capsulotomy (a procedure in which the capsule is cut open relieving the pressure on the implant), or a capsulectomy (a procedure in which the capsular tissue is removed from the breast).
The implant may be replaced at the same time to improve the overall aesthetic result, or it may be left out if the patient desires for a more natural look.
Can capsular contracture go away by itself?
No, capsular contracture does not go away by itself. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that forms around a breast implant becomes tight, hard, and begins to squeeze the implant. It is a common complication of breast augmentation that can lead to pain, an abnormally shaped breast, and other discomfort.
If left untreated, the condition can worsen over time and become even more uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you think you may have capsular contracture.
The surgeon will be able to perform an examination, take measurements, and order imaging tests to make a diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the condition, a treatment plan may include massage and physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgically removing or replacing the implant.
While there is no foolproof way to prevent capsular contracture, it is important to follow pre- and post-procedure instructions from your plastic surgeon.
When should I worry about capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the tissue surrounding a breast implant begins to contract and harden. It can occur at any time, but it typically becomes a concern when you start to notice changes in the look and feel of your implants.
It is important to pay close attention to any changes in your breasts, and seek medical advice if you are concerned. Signs of capsular contracture can include the breast implants becoming harder, changing shape, and having an unnatural appearance with a tight, shiny skin covering.
Other symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the implant area, sensitivity or decreased sensitivity, or changes in the texture of the skin. If you experience any of these changes or overall concerns, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Does capsular contracture get worse with time?
Capsular contracture is a hardening of the tissue surrounding a breast implant and can worsen with time. It is common for this to happen due to tissue breakdown, which is natural after an implant has been placed in the breast.
The severity of capsular contracture can range from mild to very severe in cases where the capsule is so thick and contracted that the breast looks deformed. Other factors that can contribute to capsular contracture include infection, inflammation, hematoma and mechanical breakdown due to the movements of the body.
One of the most common symptoms of capsular contracture is firmness or hardness of the breast. If the contracture is mild, it may not cause pain or significant disfigurement. However, more severe contracture can cause pain, discharge of fluid and an unsightly deformity of the breast.
It is important to seek medical attention early on if any of these symptoms are present or if there are signs of infection. Surgery may be needed to repair the damage caused by capsular contracture.
Is capsular contracture the surgeons fault?
Whether a capsular contracture is the fault of the surgeon or not is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, capsular contracture (sometimes referred to as a “scar capsule”) is a complication that may occur following any type of breast surgery.
It involves the formation of a tight, constricting scar or scar capsule around breast implants, resulting in an unnatural breast shape and feel. Unfortunately, this is an issue that has not yet been completely understood by the medical community.
Although it is extremely rare, it may occur following any type of breast implant surgery.
The exact causes of capsular contracture are still unknown, although there are some factors which may increase risk, such as inadequate technique during surgical implantation, bacterial contamination of the implant, or the body rejecting the implant.
Age and skin texture can also play a role, with people who have thin, dry skin being more prone to capsular contracture.
The good news is that it usually isn’t the surgeon’s fault when capsular contracture occurs; it’s usually a combination of factors that are out of the surgeon’s control. Your surgeon should take every precaution to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
This includes using sterile techniques and equipment, using submuscular pocket placement, and reducing any possible chance of postoperative infection.
At the end of the day, it is difficult to assign fault when it comes to capsular contracture. It is important to talk to your surgeon if you are experiencing any complication which may be related to capsular contracture, as the condition can be successfully treated in some cases.
How much does it cost to fix capsular contracture?
The cost to fix capsular contracture depends on the severity of the condition, the type of procedure used to correct it, and the plastic surgeon’s fee. Typically, correction of mild capsular contracture may cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while a more severe case can cost between $2,000 and $7,000.
The commonly used surgical procedures to correct capsular contracture are capsulectomy, parenchymal stripping, and implant removal and replacement. These procedures can involve removing and replacing the breast implant, making an incision and removing the fibrous capsule around the implant, repairing or replacing the breast pocket, repositioning the implant if needed, and/or treating the tissues and breast capsule with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications before replacing the implant if needed.
The plastic surgeon’s fee, cost of anesthesia, and other incidental costs associated with surgery will also affect the total cost for the procedure to fix capsular contracture.
How fast does capsular contracture progress?
Capsular contracture is a condition in which the fibrous layer around breast implants becomes hardened or thickened. It is not a predictable condition and can progress at varying rates in different individuals.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years to reach an advanced stage, depending on the severity of the case.
At first, the condition may not be noticed unless one feels the area for firmness when compared to the other breast. Over time, the implant may become increasingly firm and the breasts may become deformed and rigid.
In more severe cases, the breast will look artificial and the pain may become more pronounced.
It is important to note that capsular contracture can recur in some individuals, even after it has been treated and resolved. In order to lower the risk of recurrence, it is important for individuals to maintain good implant hygiene and to receive regular evaluations from their physician.
In some cases, a more invasive procedure such as replacement or removal of the implant may be necessary.
How do you know if capsular contracture has started?
Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant hardens and tightens. Signs that capsular contracture has started include changes to the shape and feel of the breast, increased pain and tenderness, redness of the breast, and warmth to the touch.
If these symptoms occur, it is important to contact a medical professional or surgeon immediately to assess the situation and determine an appropriate course of action. In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary to replace the implant and resolve the issue.
