Capsular contracture can occur following breast augmentation with implants. It happens because scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens, making the breast look or feel different. While this is a recognized risk of implant-based breast surgery, appropriate care can reduce its occurrence.
At Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon®, we believe in informed decision-making and individual care. We can help you understand capsular contracture, its associated risks, and what to do if you think you have it.
When any foreign object is inserted into your body, such as a breast implant, scar tissue forms around it. This is normal. Sometimes, this capsule tightens abnormally. This is called capsular contracture. The exact cause of capsular contracture is sometimes unknown, but it may be caused by the following:
Minor infections or inflammation during and after surgery may increase the risk of capsular contracture.
Blood or fluid around the implant may cause an exaggerated scarring response.
A leaky implant may also result in capsular contracture.
Although any type of implant can cause capsular contracture, some research suggests that textured implants and subglandular placement (above the chest muscle) pose slightly different risks than smooth implants or submuscular placement.
During your first consultation, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, our board-certified plastic surgeon known as Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon®, will discuss how implant type and placement can affect your risk.
Capsular contracture symptoms are graded according to severity. These grades are as follows:
The breast feels and looks normal, and there are no symptoms.
The breast feels firmer but still looks normal.
It feels like the breast is firm and misshapen.
The breast may be firm and misshapen and cause discomfort or pain.
Whenever you feel discomfort or notice a difference in the shape or position of your implants, please call our office immediately. Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell will evaluate your concerns and recommend the next steps.
Capsular contracture is diagnosed by physical examination. Other complications, such as implant rupture, may be diagnosed with imaging tests like high-resolution ultrasound or MRI. Should treatment be required, the options depend on the severity of the contracture.
Early or mild cases may benefit from medication or therapeutic massage.
Surgery is indicated in moderate-to-severe cases. It usually involves removing the scar tissue (capsulectomy) and replacing the implant.
You can rest assured that at Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon®, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell performs all surgeries personally.
Capsular contracture cannot be entirely prevented, but you can reduce risk by doing the following:
Surgery may limit capsular contracture. Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell focuses on precision implant placement and the right surgical environment to reduce the risk of complications.
Respecting all post-surgery instructions is essential to reducing inflammation and facilitating healing. During your recovery period, you will receive individual attention at our office.
At your consultation, we will discuss implant options and placement techniques based on your anatomy and goals to reduce your risk of capsular contracture.
Many patients want to understand capsular contracture before they undergo breast augmentation. Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell educates every patient on the risks so they can make informed decisions. Our goal is to partner with every patient. We can help with first-time breast augmentation or capsular contracture care.
Unlike other offices where a nurse or aesthetician may handle some aspects of your care, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell personally performs all procedures and follow-ups. This ensures each patient gets the best expertise and individual attention.
At Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon®, our approach focuses on education and transparency while ensuring you get results safely and effectively. Our expert staff and patient-centered philosophy make us a go-to for women in Detroit and Metro Detroit.
Are you wondering, “What is capsular contracture?” or want to know more about breast implant surgery? Book a consultation so we can design a plan just for you.
Please take a look at the upcoming events hosted by Your Girlfriend the Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell. We look forward to seeing you there!
