Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
4400 Post Oak Pkwy, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 352-3199
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Abigail Rodriguez M.D. Plastic Surgery
12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77024
Phone: (713) 799-9999
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
As a normal part of the healing process, your body creates a scar around a breast implant. This is the case for any type of implant (such as a prosthetic joint replacement) or foreign body (such as a piece of pencil lead). Your body naturally encapsulates the implant/foreign body by forming a scar around it. A normal scar or capsule is not harmful to your health. A normal capsule (scar) is thin, soft, and does not negatively impact the shape, position, or feel of the breast.
If the capsule (scar) around a breast implant thickens too much, it can cause problems. This finding is called capsular contracture. The most common issue with capsular contracture is thickening and tightening of the scar around the breast implant. This can cause the breast to feel firm to the touch, but may still look normal in shape. The breast feels firm because the capsule over the implant is firm. The implant beneath the capsule is likely still as soft as when it was initially placed.
If capsular contracture worsens, the capsule (scar) may squeeze the implant, causing it to move in a particular direction. The breast may feel firm to the touch and appear too high or too round, or it may distort the overlying breast/nipple tissue. The implant shell may fold on itself, creating a weak spot that can increase the risk of implant rupture. Rarely, the most severe form of capsular contracture can cause discomfort.
The vast majority of capsular contracture cases occur within 1-2 years of breast implant placement. When capsular contracture happens long after breast implant placement surgery, it is often due to the implant being ruptured. Unfortunately, capsular contracture has a high recurrence rate and may require several approaches to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Abigail Rodriguez blends advanced surgical expertise with refined artistry to create results that look natural, balanced, and enduring. Known for her compassion, transparency, and commitment to patient education and safety, she provides individualized care supported by a state-of-the-art facility, enhanced recovery protocols, and comprehensive follow-up—all designed to ensure you feel cared for, confident, and understood throughout your transformation.
Widely regarded as a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez's excellence has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons and by Texas Super Doctors multiple times. She is trusted for her meticulous precision and genuine dedication to helping patients look and feel their most authentic and confident.
Dr. Rodriguez will recommend a specific surgical plan based on your situation, the severity of your capsular contracture, and your goals.
Since capsular contracture has a relatively high recurrence rate, Dr. Rodriguez may recommend a combination of the following treatment options:
While we don’t understand all the details of how capsular contracture develops, we’re aware of several risk factors, including:
Dr. Rodriguez takes precautions to mitigate these risk factors and minimize your risk of developing capsular contracture. These precautions include:
If you are a woman in the Houston area, you may be a candidate for capsular contracture treatment with Dr. Rodriguez. It can be hard to know if you have capsular contracture, but Dr. Rodriguez can examine you and look for some findings of capsular contracture, including:
After surgery to treat capsular contracture, you will have a bra placed around your chest during surgery. You should not wear an underwire bra until cleared by Dr. Rodriguez. Most patients can return to work within 2 weeks after surgery and resume exercise 6 weeks after surgery.
There is evidence that the asthma and allergy medication montelukast (Singulair) or zafirlukast can help reduce the risk that capsular contracture develops or worsens. Vitamin E may also help prevent the capsule from thickening. Dr. Rodriguez may recommend these as part of your comprehensive treatment plan, along with other measures like breast implant massage.
If capsular contracture recurs, it is most likely to occur within the first 1-2 years after surgery. It will not be immediately evident in the first few weeks after surgery. That is why it is essential to return for all follow-up appointments with Dr. Rodriguez to have your implants checked for signs of capsular contracture.
A silicone product, such as silicone sheets or silicone gel, is recommended to optimize the appearance of the scars on the breast skin.
If you’re experiencing capsular contracture after a previous breast augmentation, you may be eligible to participate in our clinical study. This is an opportunity to receive advanced care supported by cutting-edge technology.
Learn more and see if you qualify.
Learn MorePaying for your procedure shouldn't stand in the way of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit® and PatientFi®, to help make your treatment more manageable and accessible.
Our team will guide you through your options and support you during every step of your transformation.
Explore FinancingMild cases may remain stable or improve slightly, but moderate to severe capsular contracture usually requires surgical intervention. The condition can worsen without treatment, leading to increased discomfort and implant distortion.
Not necessarily. Capsular contracture can develop in one or both breasts, and the severity may differ between them. If only one breast is affected, treatment could focus on that side while leaving the other implant. In other instances, both breasts may require treatment to maintain symmetry.
If you desire breast implants again, Dr. Rodriguez always recommends placing new breast implants when treating capsular contracture. Placing new implants has been shown to reduce the risk of capsular contracture recurrence.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez in Houston, at either our Post Oak or Memorial City location, for high-quality, personalized aesthetic enhancements. We are easily accessible to patients from Katy, The Woodlands, and the entire Greater Houston area.
