¿Qué es la contractura capsular?

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.

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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.

Dra. Rodríguez

¿Por qué elegir al Dr. Rodríguez?

La Dra. Abigail Rodríguez combina una avanzada experiencia quirúrgica con una gran destreza artística para lograr resultados naturales, armoniosos y duraderos. Reconocida por su compasión, transparencia y compromiso con la educación y la seguridad del paciente, ofrece atención personalizada respaldada por instalaciones de vanguardia, protocolos de recuperación mejorados y un seguimiento integral, todo ello diseñado para que usted se sienta atendido, seguro y comprendido durante todo su proceso de transformación.

Considerado ampliamente como uno de los mejores cirujanos plásticos certificados en Houston y más allá, la excelencia del Dr. Rodríguez ha sido reconocida por Newsweek como uno de los mejores cirujanos plásticos de Estados Unidos y por Supermédicos de Texas En múltiples ocasiones. Se la reconoce por su meticulosa precisión y su genuina dedicación para ayudar a los pacientes a verse y sentirse lo más auténticos y seguros posible.

How Capsular Contracture Is Treated

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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:

  • Capsulectomy (removal of the thickened capsule or scar from around the breast implant)
  • Removing the current implant
  • Putting in a new implant, if desired
  • Moving the new implant to a different “pocket” in the breast (ex: under the muscle rather than over the muscle)
  • Placement of acellular dermal matrix or Galaflex (a product that acts as a “scaffold” that is gradually replaced by your own tissue and can help to block the capsule from thickening)

While we don’t understand all the details of how capsular contracture develops, we’re aware of several risk factors, including:

  • Rotura del implante
  • Bacteria on the implant
  • Infección
  • Subglandular placement (over the muscle, rather than under the muscle)
  • Placement of the implant through any incision other than the lower breast crease incision
  • Excessive implant handling during placement

Dr. Rodriguez takes precautions to mitigate these risk factors and minimize your risk of developing capsular contracture. These precautions include:

  • Using an antibacterial solution to clean the implant and inside the breast pocket before and after placement
  • Using Galaflex as a protective barrier
  • Inserting the implant with a Keller funnel, designed to minimize contact of the implant with your skin and breast tissue, and to allow it to be placed with minimal handling and without touching the surgical gloves or drapes

Am I a Good Candidate for Capsular Contracture Treatment

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:

  • Displaced breast implants
  • Breast implants that feel firm
  • Misshapen or distorted breasts
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Capsular Contracture Recovery

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.

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Benefits of Capsular Contracture Treatment

  • Boosts confidence and comfort in daily activities and clothing
  • May relieve pain and discomfort caused by hardened scar tissue
  • Restores natural breast shape and softness for a more natural look and feel
  • Improves implant position by correcting distortion or asymmetry
  • Reduces tightness and stiffness in the breast area

Capsular Contracture Treatment Results

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 Dra. Rodríguez 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.

Una reputación basada en resultados

Me hicieron una pequeña cirugía en la oreja para suturar un desgarro. La Dra. Rodríguez y su equipo me hicieron sentir muy relajada...
Janet James
¡Una experiencia increíble! Tal como leí en todas las reseñas, la Dra. Abigail te hace sentir muy cómodo y...
Romina López
Tuve una experiencia increíble durante mi consulta con la Dra. Abigail Rodríguez y su coordinadora de atención al paciente...
Britney Alexander
Tuve la bendición de ponerme en manos de la Dra. Abigail Rodríguez para mi abdominoplastia y liposucción,...
Cualquier Ramírez

Capsular Contracture Study with Dr. Rodriguez

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.

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Financiación flexible para todos los presupuestos

El costo de tu procedimiento no debería impedir que te sientas segura y cómoda contigo misma. Ofrecemos opciones de financiamiento flexibles, como CareCredit® y PatientFi®, para que tu tratamiento sea más accesible y manejable.

Nuestro equipo le guiará a través de sus opciones y le brindará apoyo en cada paso de su transformación.

Explora las opciones de financiación.

Capsular Contracture Treatment FAQs

Can capsular contracture go away on its own?

Mild 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.

Does capsular contracture affect both breasts equally?

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.

Can I continue to use my old implants after capsular contracture treatment, or do I need new ones?

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.

Dra. Rodríguez | Abigail Rodríguez, Doctora en Cirugía Plástica

Comienza tu transformación

Programe una consulta con la Dra. Abigail Rodriguez en Houston, en nuestras clínicas de Post Oak o Memorial City, para tratamientos estéticos personalizados de alta calidad. Somos fácilmente accesibles para pacientes de Katy, The Woodlands y toda el área metropolitana de Houston.

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