It is usual for scar tissue to create a "capsule" around any medical or cosmetic implant. When the body recognizes a foreign thing, it immediately responds by forming a scar tissue barrier to keep the object out. If you have breast implants, this is positive since it prevents them from slipping out of their sockets.
However, in some patients, the scar tissue around the implant becomes
extraordinarily rigid and begins to compress. About one in six breast
augmentation patients have some degree of encapsulated
contracture, but not all cases are evident.
Capsular contracture symptoms and signs
Your breast may begin to show the first signs
of capsular contracture within a few months following implant restoration
surgery or even years later.
Suppose you are experiencing persistent pain,
limited mobility, or changes in the position and contour of your breasts as a
result of capsular contracture. In that case, you may benefit from surgery to
address these issues.
Treatment options for capsular contracture
include several types of surgery
Capsular
contracture after breast reconstruction can be
treated with a variety of methods, including:
Capsulectomy: To
replace an implant that has failed or been damaged, your surgeon will perform a
capsulectomy and introduce a new implant that is protected by dermal matrix
material (a skin substitute made chiefly of collagen). In addition to the
dermal matrix material, the body will develop a new scar tissue capsule around
it.
Open capsulotomy: In
an open capsulotomy, the implant's tissue capsule will be sliced open by your
plastic surgeon, who may also remove a portion of the tablet. The implant needs
to move around freely; hence the capsule must pop open. You may also need to
have your current implant replaced with a new one in some situations.
Autologous
reconstruction: It is possible to have an autologous
reconstruction, which involves removing the implant and using a flap of tissue
from somewhere else on your body to rebuild the breast. Capsular contracture is
eliminated since a tissue capsule does not form around the flap in this surgery
method. While a capsulectomy or open capsulotomy is a more straightforward
procedure, the autologous repair is more involved and requires more time to
heal.
