Capsular Contracture is one of the complications patients experience after breast augmentation. While terrific strides have been made in both the understanding and prevention of this rare occurrence, this complication may still occur. In the past, the only effective treatment for Capsular Contracture was revisionary surgery. Today, however, a non-surgical treatment option is available for those who suffer from this condition, called Aspen Multi-Energy Therapy procedure.
What is Capsular Contracture
The immune system plays a significant role when a foreign object is introduced into the body. Capsular Contracture is the result of the immune system working overtime in an attempt to protect your body from the implant. The breasts become tight, hard, and constricted due to this scar tissue developing around the breast implant. While this condition is not harmful, the appearance of the breast may be distorted and it can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Many surgeons today believe most Capsular Contracture complications are the result of bacteria growth. During surgery, healthy bacteria located on the skin may be transferred to the breast implant, causing the body’s immune response to increase. To prevent the transfer of bacteria during breast augmentation surgery, the plastic surgeon must ensure special steps are taken. However, even with these extra steps, patients may still experience Capsular Contracture.
In addition to bacteria, other potential causes include smoking, trauma, seroma, hematoma, and radiation treatment used for breast cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
Signs and symptoms of this complication may include the distorted shape or appearance of the breast; the patient may be uncomfortable or suffer from pain; high position or not dropping of the implant; firmness or tightness of the breast.
Using the Baker Grading System, doctors grade the firmness of Capsular Contracture:
Grade I: Affected breast feels and appears normal.
Grade II: Affected breast appears normal but feels somewhat firm.
Grade III: Affected breast is visually distorted and has a firmer feeling.
Grade IV: Affected breast is significantly distorted in position and shape as well as feel hard.
Before & After
Non-Surgical Treatment Option for Capsular Contracture
Breast revision surgery is used by many women who wish to change the style or size of their breast implant as well as rectify a complication. However, undergoing an additional surgery can be avoided in the treatment of Capsular Contracture when the Aspen Rehab Technique is utilized. Research on the Aspen protocol shows that 90% of patients achieve improvement to a within normal limit softness and shape.
This is the only procedure of this kind that is patented after years of thorough research and is also non-invasive in the treatment of Capsular Contracture, a therapeutic technique developed by clinician Tim Weyant. Utilizing the Aspen Protocol, ultrasound waves bust apart the growth of bacteria. Once the bacteria are weakened, the body is more responsive to antibiotics. To relax the constricted tissue, medications are used, such as Singular. To continue in the relaxing and softening of the breast after this procedure, special massage techniques are used.
The post-plastic surgery treatment facility, Aspen After Surgery, located in Coral Springs, Florida, specializes in this non-surgical treatment method of capsular contracture. The shape, softness, and symmetry of the breast are restored when this effective, non-invasive treatment technique is used.