The result of breast reconstruction surgery or breast augmentation should be a breast that looks and feels natural. The breast should not feel lumpy or hard, and should not shift from its natural position in the chest. However, in some cases excessive scar tissue forms around the capsule, or pocket, that holds the implant in place; when this occurs, the implant may become misshapen or hard. This breast reconstructive surgery complication is known as capsular contracture.
Causes of Capsular Contracture
Capsular Contracture results from the abnormal tightening or hardening of scar tissue surrounding the implant. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be initiated by bacterial contamination either from the bloodstream or during breast implant insertion. A capsule of scar tissue forms around each breast implant during the reconstructive healing process. This capsule holds the implant in place and helps to preserve it. In some instances, however, collagen fibers in the scar tissue tighten, causing the capsule to contract. This complication can distort the shape of the breast and can become painful in secure cases.
Preventing Capsular Contracture
While there is no absolute way to prevent capsular contracture, there are ways to help minimize your risk.
1. Incision Location – There are many locations surgeons commonly used to insert the breast implant; however, the preferred location to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination is referred to as the inframammary fold.
Located in the crease below the breast tissue, the inframammary fold allows less chance for the implant to come in contact with possible bacterial in the nipple or in the ducts of the breast.
2. Oral Antibiotics – Oral antibiotics find and kill any bacteria in the body; therefore, reducing the chance of bacteria attaching to the breast implant during the healing process.
3. The Keller Funnel – The surgeon uses a tool known as a Keller Funnel to insert the breast implant into the breast pocket, ensuring the implant does not come into contact with the outside skin and possible contaminants.
4. Proportionate Implant to Body – Breast tissue tends to stretch and thin when overly large breast implants are used. In addition, large implants have a greater risk of displacement.
5. Aspen Rehab Protocol – Aspen preventative treatments right after surgery reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture. While this method is beneficial for all those who had breast augmentation, it is especially helpful if you have a family history of contracture, previous surgeries for capsular contracture, or a previously high implant that did not drop.
Aspen Rehab Technique for Capsular Contracture Prevention
The Aspen System is a non-invasive method used to prevent this breast implant surgery complication. If a patient has had a family history, contracture problems in the past, previous surgeries for contracture, or a high implant that didn’t drop, Aspens prevention treatment right after surgery can help. This therapy begins two weeks after surgery to prevent this possible complication.
The Aspen prevention method requires five non-invasive treatments. To begin, a series of painless soundwaves are administered over the patient’s breast. This technology is unlike traditional Ultrasound or sound wave devices in medical offices and Rehab facilities as those can actually do harm to implants or worsen contracture. The Aspen sounds waves are used to “drive in” a specific medication that helps combat the bacteria that may be in the pocket at surgery or remain in the pocket from previous surgeries. Next, pocket expansion techniques and specific implant massages are rendered by a licensed expert. Lastly, a compression garment is fitted to help adjust the position of the hard or high implant.
Aspen Rehabilitation Technique is a patented process available through Aspen After Surgery located in Coral Springs, Florida, and offers a 1 week FAST TRACK for qualified patients. Typically the cost of travel and treatment is less than surgery and comes with none of the risks. If you are considering plastic surgery or have already gone through the process, call us today to speak with one of Aspen’s experts.
As surgery has a high re-occurrence rate for these issues happening over and over, The Aspen Treatment can also be provided in a patients surgeons office. Ask your surgeon for the Aspen After Surgery Treatment as an inexpensive option to surgery.