Restoring Shape and Feel After Capsular Contracture
Although a majority of patients can enjoy increased size, shape, and confidence following a breast augmentation, the most common source of complication following surgery is capsular contraction. Dr. Bruce Hermann received training under a world-renowned cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeon, allowing him to employ state-of-the-art techniques and advanced treatment at his own practice in Denton, TX. Through his extensive knowledge and logical approach to revisional surgery, Dr. Hermann can help you eliminate the painful symptoms of capsular contraction and restore the aesthetics and health of your breasts.
"I could not be happier."
Amanda reveals how Dr. Hermann helped restore her confidence. She went to Dr. Hermann for revision breast augmentation to correct poor results by another surgeon. Thanks to Dr. Hermann, Amanda feels good when she looks in the mirror, her clothes fit better, and she is looking forward to swimsuit season!
Why Does Contraction Occur?
Following breast augmentation, your body will naturally form a capsule of scar tissue around your new implants. While a normal capsule fits loosely around your implant, capsular contracture can cause the tissue to tighten around the implant, resulting in lost shape, increased firmness, and significant pain. There are certain conditions that can increase your risk of capsular contraction, such as:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Breast trauma, such as car accidents
- Radiation treatment
- Postsurgical complications
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Infection following surgery
There are also measures that you can take to decrease your risk of developing capsular contracture, including massaging the breast and supplementing your diet with Vitamin E. Both of these minimally invasive therapeutic techniques can help stimulate the breast and soften scar tissue.
There are several techniques that Dr. Hermann can perform to reduce the risk of capsular contracture following your revisional surgery, including placing your implants under the muscle and using textured implants.
Signs and Symptoms
The initial sign of capsular contracture is a firmness, tightness, or pain in the breasts. Some patients also experience visible rippling and increased roundness. There are four degrees of capsular contracture, classified in the Baker grading system as:
- Grade I: Natural-looking and feeling breast
- Grade II: The breast is slightly more firm, but continues to maintain a normal appearance.
- Grade III: In addition to feeling firm, the breast looks abnormal.
- Grade IV: There is pain in addition to the firmness and abnormal look of the breast.
If you notice firmness or sensitivity in your breast following augmentation surgery, do not delay scheduling a visit to our office. The sooner we diagnose your condition, the sooner we will be able to provide relief from your painful symptoms.
What We Can Do
If you develop capsular contracture, the first treatment option will involve medication that softens the scar tissue around your implant. Although the medication can be effective at reducing the symptoms of capsular contraction, a study by the National Center for Biotechnology information found that the risk of recurrence was higher after therapeutic treatments than after revisional surgery. Dr. Hermann can evaluate your condition and help you decide whether surgery is the best treatment option for you. During your surgery, Dr. Hermann will remove the scar tissue and replace the implant. You can also choose to remove the breast implant entirely to prevent capsular contracture from recurring. There are several techniques that Dr. Hermann can perform to reduce the risk of capsular contracture following your revisional surgery, including placing your implants under the muscle and using textured implants.
Call Our Office
Dr. Hermann has received extensive training in the field of breast surgery and can help you achieve the results you want with a lowered risk of capsular contraction. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to find out if revisional breast surgery is right for you. To learn more about our cosmetic procedures, call our office at (940) 387-4900 or submit an online contact form.
