Capsular Contracture Treatment

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is a complication that affects the thin, transparent tissue called a “capsule” that the body produces to surround the implants. Under normal circumstances, this tissue ensures the implants feel soft and are free to move naturally. However, when capsular contracture develops, the capsule tightens abnormally and becomes thicker, which results in less space for the implant. As the space gets smaller, the implant commonly shifts to a heightened position, feels hard, becomes painful and/or takes on an unnatural appearance.

This condition occurs when the capsule becomes inflamed, due to an infection, a ruptured implant, remnants of silicone from a prior rupture, trauma, bleeding or the body’s natural response to the implant.

The severity of your capsular contracture is determined using the Baker scale:

• Grade I – Your breasts are soft and possess a natural shape, size and overall appearance.
• Grade II – Your breasts are slightly firm, however they appear normal to the eye.
• Grade III – Your breasts are firm and they appear abnormal and unnatural.
• Grade IV – Your breasts are hard, painful, distorted and appear abnormal and unnatural.

---

An overview of capsular contracture treatment

To prepare for among the best capsular contracture treatment Thousand Oaks and Calabasas have to offer, Dr. Schwartz will thoroughly explain what you can expect before, during and after surgery during your initial consultation. During that time, he will carefully evaluate your unique needs and the severity of your capsular contracture, before making recommendations to treat your condition and prevent a recurrence.

To begin surgery to treat your capsular contracture, one of our board certified anesthesiologists will administer general anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort and safety. Dr. Schwartz will then make a precise incision in each breast, before removing the original implant and all of the hardened scar tissue. From there, he will create a brand new pocket and place a new implant in such a way so as to ensure a natural overall look, as well as prevent this complication from recurring. Once the complication has been fully addressed and your ideal chest has been sculpted, Dr. Schwartz will expertly close the incisions to minimize any scarring.

To further ensure you don’t end up developing capsular contracture again, Dr. Schwartz will place drains after surgery to remove any excess fluid in the area. These drains will require special care on your part during your recovery period, and Dr. Schwartz will provide you with specific instructions during your pre-surgery appointments.

Some patients with severe or repeat capsular contracture may require additional treatment which can include switching the type or location of the implant, or using a tissue matrix such as Alloderm® or Strattice®. While these may create additional cost or recovery to the surgery, they can have a high success rate in patients with difficult capsules. The key to having any successful procedure is to be the most informed patient. We highly encourage you to read more about capsular contracture and how Dr. Schwartz's technique helps prevent capsular contracture.

---

---