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A 39-year-old mother of 5 presents to my office with recurrent breast capsular contracture on her right side. Her surgical treatment was a complete capsulectomy (breast capsule scar removal) from the right side and replacement
Capsular Contracture
One of the most frequent causes of breast revision surgery is the scar that forms around the breast implants. It is typical for a scar to form around the implant and protect it, it also keeps the implant in the pocket, but sometimes complications may arise. For example, if the scar is too thin, the implant can slide to the side or drop down. If the scar is too thick, the implant may get compressed and feel hard. This is referred to as capsular contracture.
Capsulotomy vs. Capsulectomy
There are 2 different procedures that are performed to correct capsular contracture. The first is a capsulotomy. For a milder capsular contracture, a capsulotomy may be performed. The scar tissue is scored with small incisions, and only a portion of the scar tissue is removed. In addition to correcting milder capsular contracture, it may also be used to correct breast asymmetry. For moderate to severe capsular contracture, the surgeon may choose to do a capsulectomy. A capsulectomy is where the surgeon surgically removes the entire scar capsule.
It takes an expert board certified breast revision surgeon such as Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D., to ascertain which procedure is the most appropriate for the patient, taking into account the hardness of the breast and the severity of asymmetry.
Capsulorrhaphy
In the instance where the scar capsule is loose, and the implants slide to the sides, the middle or drop down, a capsulorrhaphy may be performed. In this case, the scar capsule is tightened and reduces the breast pocket with sutures. Sometimes an acellular dermal matrix may be used for reinforcement. This procedure is also used when downsizing the pocket for smaller implants, or correcting implant malposition, and for implants that have “bottomed out.”
View Video!
Dr. Delgado has been performing breast revision surgery since 1989 and is experienced with all various complications that may occur after breast augmentation. View the video below and call today (415) 898-4161 for a consultation for any issues you may be having with your breast implants!
