- read about capsulectomy & implant replacement
- see before and after photos
- alternatives, risks, benefits & recovery
When a breast implant is placed the body attempts to wall it off forming a capsule around the implant. This capsule can be present within a week after surgery and is eventually present in all breasts containing implants. The end result look of a breast containing implants is due to:
- the implant itself
- the patient’s breast tissue- skin, gland, fat
- nipple position on the chest wall
- chest wall muscle and rib cage shape
- the capsule formed around the implant
The capsule can be of variable thickness and have different properties from patient to patient and even right breast vs. left breast. Thicker capsules or those that contain muscle cells can contract mishaping the breast and in some cases also cause pain – capsule contracture. It is not known exactly why some capsules become more problematic cosmetically speaking than others. It is thought that blood around the implant at the time of surgery or low grade infection early or late after surgery in is the culprit. Some capsules cause problems early after surgery and some take years to transform into a problematic capsule. In all cases of problematic capsules the naturally round contour of the breast is flattened in one or more areas including the upper portions of the breast. This can also occur if a breast implant breaks or ruptures.
Prior to the 1990s this was treated by squeezing the breasts hard enough to break the capsule – closed capsulotomy. This resulted in high recurrence rates because the capsule was not removed and high implant rupture rates. Currently the standard of care is surgical removal of all or most of the capsule – total or subtotal capsulectomy – and replacement of the implant(s). The goal is to allow the body to form a more favorable capsule and place a new breast implant that should last longer than the older one. There are no external balms, medications etc. that effectively treat capsular problems. In some cases capsule contracture especially if mild and shortly after surgery may be amenable to endermology. Interestingly, of all the non-plastic surgeons out there performing breast augmentation I’ve never heard of one of them willing to perform breast reconstruction or treat capsular problems.
50 years old, 5’6″ tall, 116 lb., bra size 34D
In this case the patient had silicone gel implants placed over 15 years ago and more recently had an abdominoplasty by a non-plastic surgeon. The abdominoplasty was redone. The nipples were repositioned by performing a mastopexy, all of the capsule was removed – total capsulectomy – and new silicone gel implants placed above the muscle. Note the more rounded breast contour as a result of capsule removal.
Read Dr. Stone’s blog about breast surgeryTypes of Breast Lift – Mastopexy
Fat Injections to Reconstruct Breasts or Increase Breast Size
Massive Weight Loss and Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Implants and Body BuildingA Natural Look with Breast Implants
Breast implant surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.
Alternatives
There are no alternatives for severe high grade capsular contracture. The capsule needs to be removed and in most case the implant(s) needs to be replaced. If cuts are made in the capsule (capsulotomies) rather than removing the capsule your body just reforms the old capsule and the process starts over. With capsulectomy your body creates a new capsule, hopefully one that is less likely to contract. The reason for implant replacement is that a large number of implants in contracted capsules have surface bacterial contamination.
Risks
The risks are the same as those for initial breast implant augmentation but the risk of blood or fluid collection around the implant, nipple complex necrosis, asymmetry and uneven surface contour are greater due to the nature of the surgery. Drains are routinely used to minimize some of these risks. The greatest risk from this surgery is recurrent capsular contracture because once your body has formed a bad capsule it is more likely to do so again in the future.
Benefits
The benefits are not being self conscious when in a bathing suit at the beach or when being intimate. The major benefit is relief of pain from high grade contractures.
Recovery
Automobile driving can be resumed after 1 week, sex after 2 weeks & athletics after 4 weeks. The most important part of recovery is exercise and activity restrictions for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery after which patients gradually return to their pre-surgery exercise routines. Being to active too early after surgery can easily lead to seromas, infections or implant malpositions that adversely affect the end result. Most of the bruising & swelling resolves in 2 to 3 weeks. A bra should be worn 24 hours a day for 4 to 6 weeks until the new capsule around the implant is fully formed.
Dr. Aaron Stone
Call today for a consultation!
9700 Venice BlvdCulver City, Los Angeles,CA 90232
Many people who are interested in Plastic Surgery decide not to seek treatment because of the prices associated with cosmetic plastic surgery. What they may not know is that financing plans can help manage the costs and bring cosmetic surgery within the reach of nearly every budget.Many patients choose their cosmetic surgeon based on prices for plastic surgery rather than credentials. It is important to thoroughly research your doctor to ensure that he or she has the requisite training, experience, and facility. Making sure you get the results you desire the first time around could mean lower cosmetic surgery costs in the long run. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon could jeopardize your safety and result in health problems or the need for follow-up surgeries.Dr. Stone offers patients a range of payment options to help cover plastic surgery costs, including cash, check, and credit cards. In addition, he offers plastic surgery financing plans to help patients set up an affordable payment schedule by breaking up the costs of Plastic Surgery treatment into affordable monthly payments through
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