Whenever an implant is placed in the body, scar tissue forms around the implant as a natural protective action. For women with breast implants, a scar tissue capsule forms around the implants, isolating the implant from the rest of the surrounding tissue. In some breast augmentation cases, this scar capsule can contract and become hard, a condition referred to as capsular contracture. HMS Plastic Surgery offers capsular contracture after breast implants treatment at our clinic in Miami, FL.
Causes and Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
The exact cause for capsular contracture is not known, but there is evidence that it could be linked to a bacterial infection during the breast augmentation surgery or exposure after the surgery. Women with capsular contracture have scar tissue that becomes extremely thick, tightening around the breast implants. While milder cases (grades) of capsular contracture may not deform the breast or cause pain, the higher grades of this condition can cause undesirable symptoms, which include:
- Firm-to-the-touch breasts
- Distorted breast shape
- Breast pain
- Tightening sensation in the breast
For women who begin noticing signs of capsular contracture, it is important to seek medical advice from a plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast plastic surgery. Dr. Harry Salinas is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery for the breasts.
Capsular Contracture Surgery
If capsular contracture is painful and distorting the breasts, surgery may be the best treatment. There are various options for treatment of capsular contracture. If the patient does not want to keep their implants, capsulectomy can be performed. This ensures that the capsular contracture will not return, but the breasts will be back to their smaller size.
For patients who want to keep their implants, a capsulotomy can be performed to remove the capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Depending on the situation, the implant may be moved into a different position to reduce the chance of reoccurrence of the capsular contracture.
If you have signs or symptoms of capsular contracture after breast implants, treatment is available at HMS Plastic Surgery. Contact our plastic surgery center in Miami, FL, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harry Salinas to discuss your treatment or surgical options.