Capsular Contracture Study

Conveniently located to serve Houston, Katy and The Woodlands.

Capsular Contracture Study with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez Now Enrolling

Dr. Abigail Rodriguez is proud to be a participating surgeon in this Clinical Study. This important research is evaluating a new treatment option for patients experiencing capsular contracture after breast augmentation. If you’ve experienced complications from implants and may qualify, this is an opportunity to receive advanced care with the support of cutting-edge technology.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is the most common reason for reoperation after breast implant surgery. It occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant tightens, causing the breast to feel firm, look misshapen, or even become painful. Capsular contracture is graded from mild (Grade I/II) to severe (Grade III/IV). Patients with Grade III or IV often require breast revision surgery.

Breast implant capsular contracture grades diagram for patient education
Resorbable P4HB mesh device used for breast implant revision support

What is the Study Device?

The device used in the study is a resorbable mesh made from P4HB, a biologically derived polymer. This device is used to provide temporary support and stability to the smooth silicone breast implant during revision surgery for capsular contracture, with the goal of reducing recurrence.

About the Capsular Contracture Study

The study is being conducted at multiple sites across the U.S. to determine the safety and effectiveness of the study device in treating capsular contracture. Dr. Abigail Rodriguez and her team are actively enrolling qualified candidates to participate.

Who is a Candidate?

  • RAre female, age 22–66
  • RHave capsular contracture (Baker Grade III or IV)
  • RDesire a new implant with no more than a ±150cc volume change
  • RAre able to comply with the required follow-up visits for 24 months

Who is Not a Candidate?

  • RBMI below 18 or above 35
  • RImplant size greater than 800cc
  • RHistory of breast cancer, chest radiation, or certain autoimmune conditions
  • RRecent nicotine use, active infections, or systemic illness
  • RPlans for additional elective breast surgery during the study period

Benefits for Study Participants

Patients are eligible for potential benefits, including:

  • RSurgery fees waived (excluding anesthesia and facility fees)
  • RStudy device [provided at no cost]
  • RCompensation for follow-up visits when completed as requested

By joining this study, you not only receive access to an advanced treatment option for capsular contracture, but you also play an important role in helping shape the future of breast implant revision surgery and top-rated breast surgery.

Potential Risks Include:

  • RBreast Asymmetry (when one breast has a different size, volume, position, or form from the other)
  • RAllergic Reaction to materials used to manufacture the mesh including kanamycin and tetracycline that might lead to serious health issues
  • RAllergic reaction to betadine (a solution used to clean the pocket.) in patients with a hypersensitivity to betadine
  • RBreast/Nipple Sensitivity Change (a change in what or how much you feel on/in your breast or nipple)
  • RCapsular Contracture (when the scar tissue around the implant constricts)
  • RBreast Deformity (when the breast does not have a normal or typical shape)
  • RErosion (breakdown of the outer layers of the skin)
  • RErythema (abnormal redness of the breast)
  • RExplantation: Implant + Scaffold (when the implant and the remaining scaffold need to be surgically removed)
  • RScaffold Extrusion (when the scaffold becomes exposed when the incision doesn’t close correctly)
  • RHematoma (collection of blood in tissues like a very bad bruise)
  • RImaging artifact(s) (when something is seen in a radiology picture (like an x-ray) that might make the picture difficult to interpret)
  • RImpaired Wound Healing (when one or more issues leads to delayed wound healing)
  • RImplant rupture / Silicone bleed (when the implant breaks open and/or silicone leaks out)
  • RInfection
  • RInflammation (swelling)
  • RImplant Malposition (the implant not being in the right place / out of place)
  • RNecrosis (dead or dying tissue)
  • RPain
  • RPtosis (drooping or sagging of the breast)
  • RSkin Rash / Red Breast Syndrome (when the skin is red and inflamed; abnormal redness of the breast that can look like a skin infection)
  • RScaffold / implant malposition (the implant or the scaffold not being in the right place / out of place)
  • RScaffold palpability (being able to feel the scaffold through the skin)
  • RScaffold visibility (being able to see the scaffold through the skin)
  • RSeroma (a collection of fluid under the skin usually near the incision)
  • RSoft Tissue Defect
  • RWound dehiscence (when the surgical wound partially or completely opens)
  • RThere may be other potential unknown risks associated with the surgical procedure or study device such as the safety and effectiveness device usage in proximity to existing or excised cancer or the impact on breast feeding.
  • RThere is a potential unknown impact on the ability to detect breast implant rupture, breast cancer, or other breast diseases.

What Follow-Up is Required?

Participants will be followed closely for 24 months to ensure the best possible outcomes. Required visits include:

  • RPost-Operative Visit (approx. 90 days post-op) – In-person exam, photos, and review of healing progress
  • R6-Month Phone Visit – Virtual check-in to document healing, side effects, or life changes
  • R12- and 24-Month Follow-Ups – In-person exams, breast imaging, questionnaires, and documentation of results
  • RAdditional follow-up may be requested if necessary for safety or regulatory purposes.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe you may qualify for this study, we invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez. She will review your case, explain the study in detail, and determine if you’re an eligible candidate.

Take the first step toward relief from capsular contracture and explore this innovative treatment option with Dr. Rodriguez today.