These things can be done initially, as well as if it happens again after treating the initial contracture.

While capsular contracture can be dismaying or uncomfortable, there are ways to treat it.

About Capsular Contracture

Your immune system knows when a foreign object has been put into your tissues.

Breast implant

webphotographeer / Getty Images

When an intruder (such as a breast implant) is detected, a capsule is formed around it.

A capsule around a breast implant is a naturally occurring tissue that can be of benefit.

If that capsulecontractsor thickens, however, it can squeeze your implant.

This contracture is what will cause pain, shifting, distortion, and hardening of the reconstructed breast.

Sometimes capsular contracture develops due to an infection that occurs during implant surgery.

These may also contribute to the development of capsular contracture.

Diagnosis

A physical exam is often done to evaluate and diagnose capsular contracture.

This is known as a Baker classification.

However, many doctors use it, and along with other evaluation tools, it can be helpful.

Acapsulotomyis surgery to loosen the scar tissue by slicing it, allowing expansion.

Surgery may not always be needed.

Conservative methods such as massage, ultrasound, and medications may help the stiff capsule relax.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

This may increase the risk of being offered ineffective or dangerous treatments.

It’s important to ask a lot of questions and investigate any claims surrounding potential treatments.

At the current time, the FDA has not approved any treatment designed to prevent or treat capsular contracture.

The relationship between placement of implants and the tendency to develop contractures is being explored.

Take the time to ask your surgeon about ways to reduce capsular contracture.

Summary

While capsular contracture with breast implants can be less than ideal, there are treatments available.

Talk with your doctor about the possible risks and the ways you could reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

Your surgeon will make recommendations and explain the rationale and research behind the treatment plan.

confirm to be aware of and heed those factors that you’re able to control.

Sometimes this can occur as early as a few months after surgery.

The rate can vary.

An article published in 2020 estimated the occurrence at 0.5% to 30%.

While it’s generally not dangerous unless your implant ruptures, it can be painful or uncomfortable.

2018;6(6):e1834.

6(11):e1969.

2018;97(6):e9548.

doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009548

Breastcancer.org.Capsular contracture: causes, risks, signs, symptoms, and treatments.

2017;17:e41.