Capsular Contracture occurs in about 5% (more in post-mastectomy) of breast augmentation patients. While it occurs rarely, it is one of the most often seen complications following the procedure. Scar tissue may create a constricting or tight capsule around the implant as the patient heals. This capsule continues to contract, becoming firm, sliding the implant out of place, and can be uncomfortable or painful.
Cause of Capsular Contracture
The majority of Capsular Contracture cases have no known cause. This complication may be the result of an infection, radiation therapy, trauma to the breast, or the use of breast implants that are too large for the patient. Other causes of this condition may be seromas and hematoma. Seromas is the collection of fluid under the breast implant following the surgery; and, hematomas is bleeding under the skin.
Grades of Capsular Contracture
The signs of Capsular Contracture occur over a period of time. To measure the degree of this complication, doctors use the Baker Grading system and include:
- Grade I: The affected breast looks normal and is soft.
- Grade II: The affected breast looks normal; however, it is slightly firm.
- Grade III: The affected breast looks abnormal and is firm.
- Grade IV: The affected breast looks abnormal, and is hard and painful.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Medications
High-Dose Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been found to soften scars on the skin. When taken orally for this condition, however, results show no significant improvement. Furthermore, high doses of Vitamin E is thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antibiotics
There is no clinical effect observed with antibiotics even though the culprit in Capsular Contracture is bacteria.
Leukotriene inhibitors
Singular and Accolate are medication approved by the FDA to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and have been useful in a small about of cases of Capsular Contracture. Additionally, Accolate has been known to cause liver toxicity in some patients; and, Singular has infrequent and mild side effects.
Aspen Rehab Technique
Aspen’s cutting-edge non-surgical option is non-invasive and can be done in-office. This therapeutic technique is successful in the treatment of Grade II and III, as well as some cases of grade IV, Capsular Contracture. Research on the Aspen protocol shows that 90% of patients achieve improvement to a within normal limit softness and shape. With the power of sound waves, this non-surgical therapy method increases the blood flow around the breast implant resulting in the softening of the capsule.
Each patient will receive ten treatments of the Aspen Rehab Technique. This method is effective and efficient in the treatment of this complication. The rate of recurrence is reduced as well with Aspen’s Rehab Protocol.
Before & After
Most Effective Treatment for Capsular Contracture
Aspen After Surgery, a post-plastic surgery treatment facility located in Coral Springs, Florida, that specializes in the most effective non-surgical method for capsular contracture. The Aspen Rehab Technique has been carefully researched and patented to provide a treatment for Capsular Contracture that is both non-invasive and successful. By utilizing the Aspen Protocol, the shape, softness, and symmetry of the breast are restored following Capsular Contracture.