What Is Capsular Contracture in The Breast And How Is It Fixed?

Breast augmentation provides patients with a beautiful silhouette through the use of breast implants. Although most women enjoy their appearance for years to come, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Capsular contracture is one issue that can be treated with breast revision surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Ellsworth can provide information and resources about capsular contraction at Ellsworth Plastic Surgery.

So what is capsular contracture, and when is breast revision necessary? As a highly recommended specialist, Dr. Ellsworth is well-versed in breast augmentation procedures along with implant removal. Our clinic can determine the best solution if you experience any complications. If you live in Houston, West Houston, or Katy, TX, you can learn about capsular contracture treatment by scheduling an assessment.

What is capsular contracture?

So what is capsular contracture? When a foreign object, like a breast implant, enters the body, the immune system causes scar tissue to form around it. This is your body’s way of holding the implants firmly (and safely) in place. While scar tissue is a natural part of breast augmentation, it can lead to complications. The capsule may tighten around the implant and cause it to harden. This is what is known as capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture grading scale

Capsular contracture can occur anytime after breast augmentation and without any warning. Most cases take place within the first two years of your implants being placed. Most doctors use the Baker Scale to determine the severity of capsular contracture in patients. The grading system for an encapsulated breast implant generally looks like this:

• Grade I: Breast appears normal and feels soft to the touch
• Grade II: Breast appears normal but feels slightly hard to the touch
• Grade III: Breast is distorted in shape and feels hard to the touch
• Grade IV: Breast has the characteristics included in Grade III, but the hardening of the capsule is much greater

Breast revision

Patients who live in Houston, West Houston, or Katy, TX, and experience hardened breast tissue should seek help right away. In less severe cases of capsular contracture, surgery may not be needed. We may recommend massages or certain medications to reduce the stiffness of the scar tissue. In other cases, patients should consider removing their implants through breast revision surgery. After removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue, we replace the encapsulated breast implant or provide breast lift surgery for a natural look.

Why capsular contracture treatment may be necessary

If you have capsular contracture, our main goal is to determine if implant removal is necessary. When scar tissue becomes too thick around an implant, it can be extremely painful. The breasts also appear distorted and warped. During a consultation with Dr. Ellsworth, we will perform an examination and make sure breast revision surgery is right for you. We also create a detailed treatment plan so that patients are left with great-looking results.

Schedule a breast assessment

Dr. Warren Ellsworth is one of the leading local experts in breast surgery. Ellsworth Plastic Surgery is proud to have helped countless women get the safe and natural outcome they want. While breast implant revision is rare, it may be necessary for your overall health and comfort. Learn about this capsular contracture treatment by scheduling an appointment at our office. If you live in Houston, West Houston, or Katy, TX, we can provide you with custom solutions.