Breast Capsular Contractor Information

Breast Capsular Contracture Information

When a breast implant is inserted into the body, it triggers a natural response where the body forms a lining of scar tissue known as the capsule around the implant. In certain situations, this capsule may begin to harden, shrink, and subsequently squeeze the implant that it encapsulates. To mitigate this issue, regular and gentle massage of the implants on a daily basis after breast augmentation surgery is highly recommended. This practice helps ensure that the breast implant capsule remains larger than the implant itself, thereby allowing the implant to maintain its natural movement and feel pleasantly soft to the touch. Although the specific causes of capsular contracture remain largely unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to this potential complication, which include the occurrence of a seroma (the accumulation of excess fluid around the implant), hematomas (bleeding around the implant site), infections, and habits such as smoking.

Prevention of Breast Capsular Contracture

During your first post-operative follow-up visit at Shape, your surgeon will carefully demonstrate the specific massage technique that you should perform to ensure that your breasts maintain a natural look and feel over time. For the first few days following your surgery, you may experience some tenderness and soreness while performing your breast massage, but rest assured that this discomfort typically improves significantly within just a few weeks. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions for the best possible recovery.

Perform Daily Breast Massage –  Starting on post-operative day one, it is essential that breast implant massage is initiated and maintained consistently throughout the entire lifespan of the implants. This practice helps ensure optimal results and contributes to the overall health and appearance of the breast implants.

How to perform breast massage:

Massage Implant Upward – Twice daily massage the implants upward, massage upward until you see the implant move 1-2 inches upward. Perform this massage ten times, twice daily, for the life of your implants.

Massage Implant Inward – Twice daily massage the implants inward, massage inward until you see the implants move 1-2 inches inward.  Perform this massage ten times, twice daily, for the life of your implants.

Unless instructed by your surgeon, it is not necessary to massage breast implants outward or downward, due to gravity will do this naturally.

Signs of Possible Breast Capsular Contracture

Implant Movement is Reduced During Massage – During your massage, you notice with some concern that one of the implants does not move as fluidly as it typically had during your previous breast massage sessions. This change in movement may catch your attention and prompt you to consider whether it is a normal variation or something that requires further investigation.

Firmness of the Breast – You notice unnatural breast firmness with both or one breast.

Different Shape of Breast – One or more breast starts to have a different shape than normal.

One Implant Appears Higher – One or more implants appears to be higher than it normally appears on chest.

Treatment of Breast Capsular Contracture

Depending upon the severity of the condition, the breast tissue can feel firm or hard to the touch, may become distorted in shape, and can begin to cause discomfort or even pain. To effectively cure or treat capsular contracture, there are both surgical and non-surgical options available for consideration. If you experience any of these concerning symptoms, please do not hesitate to call 509-458-7546 to schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible with your surgeon at Shape Cosmetic Surgery, where we prioritize your health and well-being.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Prescribed Antibiotics – Antibiotics may help reduce the progress of capsular contracture.

Singular Medication – This anti-inflammatory used in the treatment of asthma has shown, in minor studies, to help regress  capsular contracture.

Surgical Treatment

Treatment for capsular contracture may include either a capsulectomy, which involves the complete removal of the scar tissue capsule, or a capsulotomy, where the capsule is incised to relieve pressure on the implant.

Please call us at 509-458-7546 regarding any questions or concerns.