How to Tell If You Have Capsular Contracture
Posted May 20, 2025 in Breast Asymmetry, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Breast Revision, Choosing A Surgeon
If you’ve had breast augmentation, you’ve probably heard of capsular contracture, but you never expected it to happen to you. After all, you carefully chose a board-certified plastic surgeon, followed your post-surgery instructions, and everything since your recovery has been fine — that is, until now. Unfortunately, even under ideal circumstances, capsular contracture can still occur. It’s important to recognize the signs early and take action so that you can maintain the beautiful figure you worked so hard to achieve.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
After breast augmentation, the body forms a scar tissue capsule around each breast implant. Capsular contracture is when this scar tissue becomes tight and abnormally thick, causing the breast to feel firm, appear misshapen, or become painful. In severe cases, capsular contracture can push the implant out of position, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
How and Why Does Capsular Contracture Occur?
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, several factors may contribute to capsular contracture:
- Infection: Bacterial contamination during surgery can trigger excessive scar tissue formation.
- Smoking: Smoking may contribute to capsular contracture and should be avoided.
- Implant Rupture: A damaged or leaking implant can lead to inflammation and increased risk of capsular contracture.
- Hematoma or Seroma: Accumulation of blood or fluid around the implant can stimulate scar tissue development.
- Surgical Technique: Factors like implant placement and handling during surgery may influence risk.
This is why it is so important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation. Your surgeon should discuss all your options with you and explain all the factors that may influence your risk of capsular contracture. An excellent surgeon knows how to reduce your risk and can give you the best chance of avoiding it, but ultimately, capsular contracture can still occur even after a textbook-perfect breast augmentation.
Recognizing the Signs
If you notice any of the following, consult your plastic surgeon promptly:
- Breast feels unusually firm or hard
- Change in breast shape or symmetry
- Pain or discomfort in the breast
- Visible distortion or displacement of the implant
Any of these could be a sign of capsular contracture and should be evaluated by your surgeon.
Breast Revision for Capsular Contracture
Breast revision with a capsulectomy is often necessary to correct capsular contracture. This procedure involves cutting out the scar tissue, leaving behind soft breast tissue. This gives the body another chance to form healthy scar tissue. For many patients, this leads to complete resolution, although some patients may again develop capsular contracture.
During a capsulectomy, the implants will also typically be replaced to ensure they are brand new, with no signs of wear or damage. If desired, the implant type, size, and other factors may also be changed, and a breast lift may also be performed to provide additional support for the breasts.
Prevention Strategies
While not all cases of capsular contracture can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Choosing an Experienced, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: Expertise in surgical technique and patient care is crucial. Choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for your initial breast augmentation or your breast revision (to correct capsular contracture).
- Following Post-Operative Care Instructions: It is vital that you adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines. This includes activity restrictions and wearing supportive garments, and most importantly, avoiding smoking.
- Avoiding Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase complication risks.
- Regular Follow-Up Appointments: After breast augmentation, regular checkups are recommended to ensure there are no signs of wear on the implants. Monitoring healing progress during breast augmentation recovery also allows for early detection of potential issues.
If you’re concerned about capsular contracture after breast augmentation, it’s best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your symptoms and explore appropriate treatment options. Dr. Andres Taleisnik is experienced in treating patients with capsular contracture (and other complications after breast augmentation) from cities throughout southern California and elsewhere. He would be happy to help answer your questions and provide treatment to address any problems that may have arisen since your breast augmentation. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Taleisnik, call (657) 294-8375 or contact us online today.
