Breast Capsular Contracture|San Francisco,CA

San Francisco, CA– Breast Capsular contracture is defined by Wikipedia as a response by the body’s immune system to a foreign object such as a breast implant. The result is the formation of collagen fibers that tighten and squeeze the breast implant.

The cause of capsular contracture, for the most part, remains unknown. Dr. Delgado tells his patients it is not possible to guarantee that a woman will not get a capsular contracture. While it is not always known what may be the cause, there are new theories and ongoing studies being presented. In general, it is believed a low grade infection or excessive inflammation may be to blame. In particular bio-films have been implicated as the possible primary cause of capsular contracture. Bio-films are bacterial colonies surrounded with a covering protecting them from antibiotics and the immune system. Bacteria present during surgery may create a bio-film around a breast implant. The result may be a low grade infection without puss or becoming red, swollen or hot in the manner of infections that we are familiar with. Bio-film inflammation may cause a thick, tight capsule around the implant.

Before and After Breast Revision Surgery

Breast Implant Contracture prevention option

There are preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk, and women who have a propensity to form capsular contracture should discuss all possibilities with their surgeon.

1. It appears that the placement of the implants can make a difference. Partial or complete placement of the implants under the muscle versus on top of the muscle has been proven to have less incidence of capsular contracture. It is believed that when implants are placed over the muscle they come into contact with bacteria that can be harbored in the ducts of the breasts.

2. The peri-areolar incision seems to have a higher incidence of capsular contracture than the inframmary approach.

3. Textured breast implants were designed to reduce the incidence of the development of scar tissue. However, there does not seem to be any advantage for implants under the muscle and a slight advantage for implants placed over the muscle.

4. Massaging after breast augmentation surgery is believed to help keep the pocket open and reduce the likelihood of capsular contracture. However, it is not recommended for textured implants as they are supposed to adhere to tissue and massaging could interfere with this.

5. Vitamin E is known to thin the blood and must be avoided 2 weeks before and two weeks after surgery. The use of vitamin E after 2 weeks postoperatively may be of benefit. It is believed that vitamin E softens the collagen fibers, and the capsule is made up of collagen fibers. There are not any studies that neither support nor disprove the use of vitamin E.

Check With Your Plastic surgeon about Breast Contractures| San Francisco, CA

Whatever methods are tried, be sure you have the approval of your surgeon. Every patient is unique, and your surgeon will be able to advise you as to what is best for you.

Call the Expert

Dr. Delgado has been doing breast revision surgery since 1988 and is an expert in his field. Call (415 898-4161) or email ([email protected])today for a personal consultation for any breast revision issues.