Las Vegas Capsular Contracture Treatment

One possible complication with breast augmentation that concerns patients most is capsular contracture. This often painful condition occurs when scar tissue tightens and hardens around the breast implant, and causing the breasts to appear misshapen and feel abnormally firm. Dr. Pancholi is highly experienced in capsular contracture treatment and offers several options to alleviate discomfort and restore softer, beautiful breast contours.

• Why does capsular contracture sometimes happen?
• How is capsular contracture treated?
• View capsular contracture correction surgery videos
• Is there anything I can do to prevent capsular contracture?

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What causes capsular contracture?

When an implant is surgically placed, the body will naturally seal it off from the rest of the body with scar tissue. The scar tissue that forms around the breast implant is known as a “capsule.” In the vast majority of cases, the capsule’s existence is rarely noticed by the patient. Occasionally, however, a patient’s body may decide to “reject” the implant, and responds by thickening or tightening the scar tissue. The capsule that was previously unnoticed begins to tighten around the implant. As it tightens, the soft implant gets squeezed and feels firm. Often times, the implant will start to move upward on the chest wall.

How is capsular contracture treated?

Capsular contracture can be treated both non-surgically and surgically.

Non-surgical options include the use of Vitamin E, Milk Thistle, asthma medications such as Accolate or Singulair, ultrasound treatments, and sometimes spontaneous resolution. The efficacy level of the above methods averages around 50%.

Surgical options have improved over time. The only guaranteed correction is removing the implants so the body doesn’t have anything to contract around. This is not a very popular option. In the past, some of the methods to correct capsular contracture included squeezing the implant (NOT RECOMMENDED), switching implant pocket position (i.e., if above the muscle, moving the implant under the muscle and vice versa), switching from smooth to textured implants (no longer recommended due to association with BIA ALCL), switching from silicone to saline, removing the entire capsule with immediate placement of new implants, and removing the implants and then replacing them after a time period (usually 6 months to a year). Many of these methods had success rates similar to the non-surgical methods—only about 50%.

As correction has evolved, newer methodology includes the following steps:

• Removing the implant and capsule together via en bloc capsulectomy (with or without implant replacement)
• Placement of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or equivalent.

With these techniques, success rates have increased to around 80%. This is the method Dr. Pancholi typically chooses to employ when correcting severe capsular contraction.

Correction, however, will depend on several factors, including what type of implant you have, how it was placed, and how severe your capsular contracture has become. In milder cases, Dr. Pancholi can typically use the original breast augmentation incision locations to remove your current implants and capsule and to place new implants. In more severe cases, he may proceed as described above to improve the shape of the distorted breast and thicken the surrounding tissue after the capsule is removed.

Capsular Contracture Correction Videos

Below you can watch videos of Dr. Pancholi performing en bloc breast implant removal to treat capsular contracture. These videos contain graphic images of live surgery procedures. Viewer discretion is advised.

Removal of a Contracted Breast Implant

Separating the Capsule From the Breast

While Dr. Pancholi can often restore a remarkably beautiful breast contour, it is important to understand that “perfect” shape and symmetry may not be possible, especially if capsular contracture is severe.

Is there anything I can do to prevent capsular contracture?

While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of capsular contracture, you may lower your risk by:

• Choosing a breast implant size that is appropriate for your body
• Selecting a highly qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation, who understands current theories behind capsular contracture and how to limit those risks.

Fortunately, capsular contracture is rare for women who make these smart choices.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing capsular contracture, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation with Dr. Pancholi. Breast implant revision, asymmetry correction, and breast augmentation are his specialties, and he will help you address problems with prior breast implant surgery and enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation you deserve.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Dr. Pancholi and his staff! I have lived here in Vegas for over 15 years and I am serious and honest when I say Dr. Pancholi is the BEST…He was a day and night difference to my previous surgeon. Dr. Pancholi takes his time, he is a perfectionist, and his staff is so welcoming and caring. I will not use any other surgeon…he gave me back my security and I will forever thank and appreciate him!
—Christie, Breast Implant Revision Patient
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