What is THAT? Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a common complication for both silicone and saline implants which generally results in further surgery. It is a scar created in the tissue around the breast implant, causing it to feel harder, and less natural, and frequently causing irritation or physical discomfort in the breast. All breast implants do create some scaring in the surrounding tissue, capsular contracture after breast augmentation specifically arises when that scar tissue begins to shrink and tighten. This condition is also usually visible; it shows up as a hard and lumpy looking ring around the breast, some refer to it as coconut like.
Some studies suggest that there is a higher rate of complication, and/or more severe cases of Capsular contracture in women with silicone implants, but it is doubtless that is can occur with saline as well. It is also thought that production of this scar tissue is less likely if the implant is placed under the muscle, than if it is placed over the muscle. If you develop a capsular contracture the degree to which you are effected and appropriate treatment greatly very.

Generally, the severity is graded on a scale of one to five based on the way it feels externally, the way the patient describes it feeling internally, the way it looks, and an assessment of surgical need. A mild capsular contracture may not be significant enough to worry about, if you notice it at all. However, moderate or severe capsular contracture needs to be removed. During this procedure the scar tissue will be removed along with the original breast implant, and a new implant will be put in. There are other, more specific surgical approaches, and these should be discussed with your cosmetic surgeons in depth. Be aware, in most cases the capsular contracture will return, creating a need for further repeated corrective and cosmetic surgeries of this kind.