Breast implant capsular contracture is a potential long-term complication of breast augmentation surgery that can cause discomfort and distortion of the breast. This article explains what capsular contracture is, why it occurs and how it can be treated.
It is normal for the body’s immune system to react to an implant and form a thin lining called a ‘capsule’ around it. Capsular contracture is when this lining or ‘capsule’ around the implant gets thickened due to formation of scar tissue. The thick scar tissue when formed, is called ‘capsular contracture’ – as it thickens, it can become tight and can constrict the implant. This causes the breast to harden, become painful and distorted in shape.
Capsular contracture usually over occurs slowly over a number of years. There is no set time as to when it can happen. Some women with implants may never develop capsular contracture. It is thought that around 12% of those with Mentor breast implants are thought to develop a significant grade of capsular contracture (grade 3 or 4) around 10 years after having breast implant surgery.
The exact cause of breast implant capsular contracture is unknown, but factors that can increase the risk of developing it include:
Capsular contracture can cause a variety of breast symptoms
Breast implant capsular contracture is classified into four grades based on how severe it is:
Grade I: The breast is soft, looks and feels normal, and there is no visible sign of capsular
contracture.
Grade 2: The breast is slightly firm to the touch but there is no distortion of the breast shape and it
looks normal.
Grade 3: The breast is firm to the touch and there is a visible distortion in shape. The breast is not
painful or tender.
Grade 4: The breast is hard, painful and distorted in its shape with a noticeable cosmetic deformity.
This grading system is commonly used by plastic surgeons to diagnose and treat breast implant capsular contracture. However, it is subjective and different surgeons may grade breasts differently.
The treatment for breast implant capsular contracture depends on how severe it is.
In the early stages (grade 2) of capsular contracture, just observation and regular monitoring is sufficient.
Treatment may be needed for grades 3 and 4 capsular contracture where there is visible change to the shape of the breasts with cosmetic deformity or the breast becomes uncomfortable.
The surgical options for capsular contracture are:
Capsulectomy and exchange of implants: A capsulectomy and implant exchange is the most commonly performed procedure to treat capsular contracture. The surgeon removes most or all of the thick scar tissue of the capsule and replaces the implant with a new one. A breast uplift may also be necessary if your breasts have become droopy with age – this lifts the nipples and gives the breasts a better shape.
Capsulotomy: The surgeon cuts into the thick scar tissue capsule to release it and therefore release the pressure around the implant.
Capsulectomy and implant removal: In some cases, women choose to have their breast implants and capsule removed altogether and to not have any further implants.
Our expert surgeon, Miss Tadiparthi will undertake a full assessment of your breast implants and discuss the best options for you and what the results will look like.
The cost of capsular contracture treatment varies depending on what procedure you require and which clinic or hospital you decide to have surgery. At your consultation, Miss Tadiparthi will let you know which techniques will give the best results for you. Here are some indicative package costs for capsular contracture surgery:
Cost of capsulectomy and exchange of implants is from £8,000.00
Cost of capsulectomy, exchange of implants and breast uplift is from £10,500.00
If you are experiencing any symptoms or signs of breast implant capsular contracture, get in touch or book an appointment online at our various locations in Central and South London.
Email: info@choiceaesthetics.uk
Tel: 07767 728108
Central London - 152 Harley Street
Central London - Cadogan Clinic near Sloane Square and Victoria stations
South London, Surrey & Kent - Shirley Oaks Hospital (South Croydon) and North Downs Hospital (Caterham)
Online consultations are also available for those based further away
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