Capsular Contracture is an unavoidable complication that can occur from breast augmentation surgery. Capsular Contracture is the most commonly reported complication following breast augmentation. This complication involves the hardening of the internal scar tissue surrounding the breast implant after surgery. This is a normal reaction that can occur when a foreign object is implanted in the body.
Before & After
The internal scar tissue around the breast starts to shrink at an extent and rate that differs for each person. In some cases, the capsule may become tight or hard, causing pain and discomfort. As the capsule becomes tighter, the breast begins to feel harder causing the pain to increase. Grades of Capsular Contracture include:
- Grade I: breast is soft and appears normal in both shape and size
- Grade II: breast is somewhat firm but normal in appearance
- Grade III: breast is firm with an abnormal appearance, but with no pain
- Grade IV: breast is hard and is painful to touch, with an abnormal appearance
What Causes Capsular Contracture?
Capsular Contracture is unpredictable and the exact cause unknown. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing this surgical complication. Some of these factors involve the patient’s history, while other involves the breast implant surgery itself.
Factors related to the patient include family history, previous contracture problems, lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes. Other significant factors include breast trauma, autoimmune disorders, as well as exposure to radiation especially if you have had breast cancer and reconstruction. To better help you understand the risk factors related to your health and history, talk with your surgeon.
On the other hand, factors related to the implant surgery itself can also impact your chances of developing Capsular Contracture following breast implant surgery. For example, complications such as blood vessel damage and infection are some of the known risk factors. Additionally, the risk of developing Capsular Contracture is increased when an implant that is too large for your skin is used.
How Can You Avoid Capsular Contracture?
The best way to avoid Capsular Contracture is by decreasing the risk of developing this breast enhancement complication. Many surgeons recommend that the implant is placed behind the patient’s pectoral muscles. Their reasoning is that the constant movement of the pectoral muscles will prevent scar tissue from forming around the breast implant.
The Aspen Protocol is a preventative treatment that can help reduce the risk of Capsular Contracture. This preventative treatment is started 2 weeks following surgery and consists of 5 treatments. The Aspen Protocol involves administering painless soundwaves over the breast, followed by specific implant massages and pocket enhancement procedures. Lastly, the patient is fitted with a compression garment to help adjust the position of the hard or high breast implant.
How is Capsular Contracture Treated?
Despite the best efforts to avoid Capsular Contracture, you may develop it following breast augmentation. The best treatment of the complication is the Aspen Protocol. Research shows that 90% of women improve within a normal limit in both shape and size with the Aspen protocol. Developed by Tim Weyant, the Aspen Rehab Protocol is the only researched, patented, and non-invasive therapeutic method to successfully treat this complication. By utilizing the Aspen Protocol, the softness, shape, and symmetry are restored.
The treatment of this condition involves the same method used for prevention, however, 10 treatments are needed for an existing capsule. For the best results, start treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the better!