Have you just had a breast augmentation procedure? Here’s everything you need to know about capsular contracture and how the team of plastic surgeons at our Kelowna hospital can ensure that you have the safest and most pleasing results.
Many women in Kelowna are looking for ways to improve the lift and/or shape of their breasts. Depending on your aesthetic goals, cosmetic breast surgery such as mastopexy, breast reduction, or breast augmentation can address a number of concerns including:
- sagging breasts
- asymmetrical/misshapen breasts
- disproportionately large breasts
- small breasts
Customised Mastopexy, Breast Augmentation and Reduction at our Kelowna Hospital
At our Kelowna hospital, we understand that breast surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. From mastopexy, to breast augmentations and reductions, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons have the expertise and knowledge to advise you on which breast surgery, or combination, is best for you.
Want to know more?
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a breast augmentation complication that occurs when internal scar tissue forms a tight capsule around a patient’s implant to the point that it becomes misshapen and hard. As a result, your breast may feel painful and stiff and the appearance of your implant may be affected.
Quick Facts
- The symptoms of capsular contracture often begin within months of the breast augmentation procedure and can occur at any time.
- Approximately 75% of capsular contractures happen with the first two years of breast surgery.
- Symptomatic capsular contracture rates are higher with silicone implants than with saline implants.
- If a contracture occurs around a silicone implant years after your breast augmentation, it could be a sign of an implant rupture.
Am I at Risk of Developing a Capsular Contracture?
It is very difficult to predict who will develop capsular contracture and even harder to tell when it will happen but it occurs in approximately 5% of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery. Factors that may increase your risk include:
- post-surgical complications such as bacterial infections, seroma, and hematoma
- if you have any autoimmune disorders such as lupus
- radiation therapy
- severe breast trauma
- if a too-large implant has been used
What are the signs of a capsular contracture?
Signs and symptoms of a contracture typically emerge slowly and often first present as a misshapen breast. As the firmness increases, your breasts may feel tight and painful, especially when you are lying on them. In addition, your breasts may appear very round and ‘ball-like.’
There are four levels of capsular contracture:
- Grade 1: The breast is soft and looks natural.
- Grade 2: The breast looks natural but may be slightly firm.
- Grade 3: The breast is noticeably firm and looks misshapen.
- Grade 4: The breast is hard, painful, and misshapen.
Treating a Capsular Contracture
While there are a few non-surgical treatments for capsular contracture including the use of anti-inflammatories and oral Vitamin E, the only treatment that guarantees the condition won’t return is the permanent removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
If you suspect you have a contracture, it’s important to visit your local hospital and have your plastic surgeon release the scar tissue surgically.
Lowering Your Risk
Decreasing your risk of developing capsular contracture is the best way to avoid the breast augmentation complication. Some ways of doing this include:
- gently massaging your implant shortly after your surgery
- doing compression exercises to keep your implant flexible and loose
- placing the implant under the pectoral muscles
It is best to discuss this and other options for avoiding capsular contracture with your plastic surgeon prior to your breast augmentation surgery.
Contact Us
To find out more about our breast augmentation procedures and how our plastic surgeons can help you achieve the most pleasing and safe results, contact our Kelowna private hospital at 250-868-9799 or book a consultation.
