Sometimes, postoperative complications can occur despite taking every possible measure to avoid them. Capsular contracture is one such condition. It immensely worries our patients.
What is Capsular Contracture?
After having a breast implant surgery, your body will develop a “capsule” around each implant. It is composed of collagen fibres. And the formation of this capsule is your body’s way of reacting to the insertion of a foreign substance. It becomes problematic when this capsule begins to harden over time and squeeze the implants. You can start having pain in your breasts. It happens gradually in stages.
You will not necessarily develop a capsular contracture after having a breast implant surgery. Some patients do, and some don’t. Each person is unique. Your healing process might be quite different from someone else.
Capsular contracture is not unique to breast enlargement surgery. It can also develop in other surgical procedures. Capsular contracture ends up affecting the appearance of your breast. This is an extremely undesirable effect.
I Have Developed A Capsular Contracture. What Should I Do Now?
You can try massaging your breasts to help with hardening. Intake of vitamin E can help soften the scar tissue around the implants. Only take supplements after discussing their dosage with your doctor. A drug used by asthma patients is also used for treating capsular contracture.
In capsulotomy, the implant is removed while in capsulectomy, the position of the implant is changed. The condition itself is not dangerous. However, depending on the composition of your implants, risks can vary. Rupture of gel or silicone implants can be dangerous.
Why Have I Developed Capsular Contracture?
There are many reasons why some patients develop capsular contracture, and others don’t. If your family has a history of autoimmune disease, genetics alone can increase its risk.
It is theorised that capsular contracture can develop due to a layer of bacteria around the implants. However, it’s not necessarily due to unhygienic medical facilities or surgical conditions. These bacteria can live on your skin. They enter your body when the incisions are made for the insertion of implants.
Rupture of implants can also cause it. To detect silent rupture of silicone implants, the FDA recommends regular screenings. Wrong implant size and patient medical histories can also act as factors in its development.
Can I Take Any Steps to Prevent the Development of Capsular Contracture?
We suggest you perform breast massages for a few months after the surgery. The duration and frequency of the massages can vary between patients. So, your surgeon will make sure to inform you about it depending on your situation. Also, make sure to ask your surgeon when you can start performing the massages. Otherwise, there’s a risk of displacing the implants.
Your surgeon will guide you about the technique of breast massage after surgery. Of course, you need to be gentle and not exert too much pressure. Keep in mind that sometimes some patients still end up developing capsular contracture. It remains a risk.