What happens if capsular contracture is not treated

In severe cases, which are rare, the pressure of tissue against implants may be painful. The development of capsular contracture does not mean that you have done anything wrong in your post-operative journey. It also does not mean your body will reject implants forever. According to studies, capsular contracture seems to occur when there is an irritant in the area of the implant. This can be difficult to avoid completely because that irritant could be bacteria or it could be blood. One of the natural processes of healing is the increase of circulation to the surgical site.

If bacteria are in the blood, it may travel to the breast implant. Understandably, patients want to know if treatment will be necessary to treat scar tissue around the breasts. The answer varies from patient to patient because no case of capsular contracture is the same. If scar tissue is minor and causing subtle firmness but no deformity, no surgical treatment may be necessary.

Sign up for emails about breast cancer news, virtual events, and more. Subscribe to our podcast for conversations on the issues that matter most. Join our online community to connect, share, and find peer support. Left image: Capsular contracture developed in the right breast and the left implant moved into a position that was too low on the chest after a bilateral mastectomy and silicone implant reconstruction.

Right image: The capsular contracture on the right breast was corrected by removing the implant and reconstructing the breast with "stacked" DIEP flap surgery.

The displacement of the left implant was corrected by removing the implant, inserting a new implant, and making adjustments to the pocket of tissue that holds the implant in place. Left image: Capsular contracture developed in the left breast and chronic discomfort developed in both breasts after a bilateral mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Right image: Corrective surgery involved removing both implants and the capsule of scar tissue surrounding each implant and reconstructing the breasts using the DIEP flap procedure.

Left image: Capsular contracture developed in the right breast after a mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Capsular contracture can occur any time after implant surgery. Sometimes it occurs as soon as 12 months after surgery, other times, it may take years to develop. There has been many studies done on capsular contracture. There has been some evidence to show that textured implants have lower incidence, and that postoperative implant massage can decrease the likelihood of capsular contracture.

Radiotherapy is definitely a contributing factor for high risk of capsular contracture in patients who have implant reconstruction. Due to the theory on biofilms and capsular contracture, and a point plan has been published for implant surgery to minimise implant complication such as capsular contracture. The diagnosis of capsular contracture is most commonly based on clinical examination alone. Imaging studies can offer further insight, with MRI being the most accurate test in making the diagnosis.

Often, capsular contracture is associated with implant rupture. Capsular contracture can be graded on severity by the Baker Scale:.

Not all capsular contracture need to be treated. However, if the breast shape is distorted, if the implant is pushed out of position, or if the hardening causes discomfort, surgery may be recommended. Usually, implant removal with capsulectomy removal of the hard capsule is required, and the implant may or may not be replaced during this procedure. To find out more, visit our Breast Implant Revision page. To read more about breast implants, visit our 'All About Breast Implants' page, or read more blogs on breast implants.

What is Capsular Contracture? Posted on 6 June Why does it happen? When does capsular contracture occur? How can it be prevented? Use intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of anaesthetic induction Avoid peri-areolar incisions Use nipple shields to prevent spillage of bacteria into the pocket Perform careful atraumatic dissection to minimize devascularised tissue Perform careful hemostasis Avoid dissection into the breast parenchyma.

A dual-plane pocket has anatomic advantages Perform pocket irrigation with correct proven triple antibiotic solution or betadine Minimise skin-implant contamination Minimise the time of implant opening, reposition and replacement of implant Change surgical gloves prior to handling the implant.