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Capsular Contractures It may seem odd to start a discussion of breast augmentation with an explanation of a complication. Almost every aspect of the procedure relates to this problem so if you understand what it is now, everything else will make a little more sense. In virtually every woman who has a breast implant the body responds to its presence by forming a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Like scars on the skin surface the development of scar tissue is a process that starts within days of surgery and continues for a year or more. Most often the presence of this scar capsule is not detectable and the breasts look and feel very natural. Sometimes, however, the capsule contracts around the implant. The breast will then feel firm to hard and in some cases the shape of the breast will be distorted. Examples of Capsular Contractures No one knows why the capsules surrounding the breast implants contract nor can they predict who will develop this problem. One hypothesis is that they occur because of an infectious stimulus. In spite of sterile techniques bacteria are still present on the skin surface, in the air and within the ducts of the breast tissue. Every plastic surgeon has their own personal surgical ritual they believe lowers the chances of capsular contractures. Some are quite elaborate and others very simple. Some believe that avoiding incisions that go through the breast tissue (peri-areolar), antibacterial irrigation of the implant and the space it will rest in, oral antibiotics around the time of surgery, minimal touching of the implant and talc-free gloves reduces the incidence of capsular contracture. Although there are studies to indicate that the rate of early capsular contractures is less, to date there are no long-term studies to show these techniques actually result in fewer capsular contractures overall. Other factors such as implant placement above or below the pectoralis muscle, saline or silicone filler, surface texture of the implant and post-operative massage seem to effect the rate of capsular contracture as will be discussed in their respective sections. Capsular contractures are not life threatening, but they certainly don't look or feel "natural". They can be painful and distorting. If they develop they are best dealt with surgically by excising some or all of the capsule and starting over. The chances of developing capsular contractures again is higher once you have demonstrated the propensity to develop them. Finding the cause of capsular contractures and preventing their development has become the Holy Grail of breast augmentation surgery. Click here to continue reading about breast enlargement
Introduction | Breast Cancer and Mammograms | Capsular Contractures |
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Please call La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre at (800) 336-3996 or (858) 452-1981 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
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La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
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