Many women are concerned they have developed Capsular Contracture following breast implant surgery due to the firm or tight breasts. The firmness of the breast is to be expected after breast enhancement surgery due to swelling. However, firmness increasing after the first two weeks is not expected.
Before & After
Tightness or Firmness of Capsular Contracture
As part of the healing process, a thin, tough scar capsule is formed around the breast implant. This scar tissue is the body’s natural defense against any foreign object that is placed into the body. This capsule of scar tissue normally allows the breast implant to remain natural-looking and soft, but tightening or “contracture” of the capsule is not a normal outcome and is categorized as Capsular Contracture.
Capsular Contracture develops in some women following breast augmentation but not in others. Typically, signs and symptoms of this condition develop within the first two months of breast implant surgery and include pain and discomfort, breast shape distortion, and asymmetric firmness or tightness. In fact, about 75 percent of Capsular Contracture cases occur in this initial postoperative phase. Nevertheless, this condition has also been known to occur later than the first year following surgery.
Known Risks of Capsular Contracture
There are factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing this complication including:
- Severe breast trauma
- Autoimmune disorders
- Radiation therapy
- Hematoma or seroma
- Infection due to implant contamination or in the body during surgery
- Placement of oversized implant with inadequate skin to cover the implant
Signs and Symptoms
If you are experiencing tightness, firmness, or pain in one breast or if one breast moves higher on your chest, consider speaking with your surgeon. Breasts that have developed this complication may appear “ball-like”, very round, and rippled. In most cases, only one breast develops this condition.
Varying Degrees of Capsular Contracture:
- Grade I: breast has no sign of distortion and is soft
- Grade II: breast has no sign of distortion and has some firmness
- Grade III: breast looks abnormal and has more firmness
- Grade IV: breast significantly distorted and is hard and painful
Treating the Condition
Aspen After Surgery specializes in a non-surgical treatment for Capsular Contracture. Research on the Aspen Technique shows that 90% of patients achieve improvement to a within normal limit shape and size. The Aspen Rehab Technique, developed by clinician Tim Weyant, is the only researched, patented, and non-invasive therapeutic technique to successfully treat capsular contracture. By utilizing the Aspen Technique, you will bring back the shape and softness of the breast as well as the symmetry.
The Aspen Technique begins with a painless series of sound waves that are administered over the breast. Next, one of their licensed professionals renders specific implant massages and pocket expansion procedures. Lastly, the patient is fitted with a compression garment to help with adjusting the position of the hard or high breast implant.
Always seek your doctor’s opinion if you are experiencing any unusual pain and firmness of the breast to ensure treatment is started early.