Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications for breast implant surgery, occurring in about 5% of patients (more for those in post-mastectomy reconstruction). While you heal from breast augmentation, scar tissue forms around the implant. In some cases, this scar tissue constricts or tightens, contracting until it moves out of place, becomes hard and/or painful.
Causes of Capsular Contracture
The actual cause of this surgical complication is mostly unknown, but theories point towards infection, radiation therapy, breast trauma, or too large of an implant. Additionally, capsular contracture may occur after seromas (fluid collection around breast implant after surgery) and hematoma (bleeding under the skin).
Look and Feel of Capsular Contracture
Signs and symptoms of this condition occur over time. To measure the degree of capsular contracture, doctors use the Baker Grading system. The four different grades of capsular contracture are as follows:
Grade I: The breast looks and feels normal.
Grade II: The breast looks normal, but is slightly firm.
Grade III: The breast looks abnormal and is firm.
Grade IV: The breast looks abnormal and is hard and painful.
Grade II and Grade III patients of this breast augmentation complication are the ideal candidates for a non-surgical treatment called the Aspen System.
Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture
The Aspen System also referred to as Aspen Rehab Protocol, is an innovative treatment method for mild to moderate capsular contracture. This therapy method is performed in-office, non-invasive, and painless and is used for the prevention and treatment of capsular contracture. Aspen Rehab Protocol uses sound waves to enhance the blood supply around the breast implant as well as soften the implant capsule.
Aspen Rehab Protocol is the most effective and efficient way to treat capsular contracture. The Aspen method greatly reduces the rate of reoccurrence as well. The Aspen system is more economical and the patient experiences no post-procedural downtime. The Aspen treatment method consists of ten treatments for those with Grade II or III capsular contracture. Patients with Grade IV may need to consider a capsulectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the breast implant capsule.
Aspen After Surgery
By utilizing the Aspen Harmonizer, the shape and softness of the breast, as well as the symmetry, is restored. The Aspen Rehab Protocol, developed by clinician Tim Weyant, is the only patented, researched, and non-invasive therapeutic method to successfully treat capsular contracture. Research on the Aspen Protocol shows that 90% of patients achieve improvement to a normal limit of both softness and shape. 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.
Prevention of Capsular Contracture