Capsular Contracture

Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

When a foreign object – such as a breast implant – is placed inside of your body, the body’s natural response is to form scar tissue around the material to protect itself. Unless it tightens, this scar tissue is not a problem. Usually, the pocket of fibrous tissue (termed a “capsule”) surrounding the breast implant remains partially open, allowing your breast implants to look and feel natural.

Unfortunately, if this capsule closes or tightens, it can squeeze the breast implants, causing your breasts to feel firm or even painful. This complication is termed a “capsular contracture.”

Classifying Capsular Contractures

Plastic surgeons categorize capsular contractures according to severity. The main classifications are as follows:

• Grade I (None) – No capsular contracture.
• Grade II (Mild) – The breast feels firm to the touch, and the edges of the implant can be felt through the skin.
• Grade III (Moderate) – The edges of the implant can be visually seen through the skin.  The breast may also appear abnormally round or spherical.
• Grade IV (Severe) – The breast is distorted, hard, and painful due to significant tightening of the scar tissue.

Capsular contractures that occur in the first year following breast augmentation are deemed “early.” In general, early capsular contractures are thought to be the result of a natural skin bacteria called staph epidermidis. This bacteria is present on every person’s skin, and although it is normally benign, it can potentially contaminate an implant during the surgical process. Dr. Angelchik uses meticulous techniques to maintain sterility while your implants are being placed.

Late capsular contractures can occur several years after breast augmentation, and are usually the result of a silicone implant rupture. The scar tissue surrounding a silicone implant can become inflamed if the silicone gel extrudes through the implant shell.

Preventing Capsular Contracture

One of the ways you can help avoid capsular contracture is by performing certain implant exercises – called displacement exercises – that help stretch your internal scar tissue. Dr. Angelchik will inform you when it is safe to begin performing these exercises after surgery. Wearing a compression bra following surgery also helps, as well as receiving regular massages. Dr. Angelchik will work with you throughout your recovery process to help you mitigate any chance of early capsular contracture.

If you live in the Phoenix, Glendale, or Scottsdale areas of Arizona and have further questions about capsular contracture, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with experienced Phoenix breast surgeon Dr. Paul Angelchik, MD. Our staff places an emphasis on patient education and will be happy to answer any initial questions you may have.