Before you decide to undergo breast augmentation, you need to find out about capsular contracture, and what are your chances of developing it. Estimates indicate that at least 10% of the women in the US, who undergo breast enhancement with implants, are likely to experience this problem. Therefore it’simportant to know what it is, and what’s the best method to treat capsular contracture.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication associated with breast augmentation surgery. The body’s immune system reacts to the insertion of a breast implant by creating a thin protective lining or fibrous ‘capsule’ around it. However, for reasons that are not quite clear, there are cases in which the capsule tightens around the implant, causing it to become hard. This condition is referred to as capsular contracture.
What’s the best way to fix it?
Treating capsular contracture effectively,may require the surgical removal of the scar tissue along with the breast implant. The procedure is known as a capsulectomy. During this operation, the implant is also replaced, but is inserted in a different location. Therefore if the breast implant was originally placed subglandular, that is over the pectoralis major muscle, it is repositioned and placed below the muscle.
Complete removal of the capsule is recommended when there is significant capsule formation, but there are times when partial removal of the scar tissue may be adequate.
Breast implants don’t last a lifetime, and patients contemplating the procedure should be aware of the possible risks and complications, and discuss these with their plastic surgeon.
Clients in Orange County can contact Song Plastic Surgery, Irvine, CA for more information on capsular contracture. Call 949-701-4454 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kyle Song. During your consultation, Dr. Song will discuss the various options, and determine which is most suitable.