17 Oct What Is Capsular Contracture and What You Can Do to Prevent It
Breast augmentation is one of the most low-risk surgeries performed at John Park MD Plastic Surgery. It’s not only safe, but it yields beautiful results. However, as with any surgery, no matter how safe it is, there’s some degree of risk as every individual’s body is different. That’s why it’s important to know the risks and know what you can do to prevent them.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Following placement of the implant, the body naturally forms a scar tissue capsule around the breast implant. This helps to keep the breast implant in place. In normal cases, the tissue should be soft and flexible; however, in a small percentage of cases, the scar tissue begins to harden. This is known as capsular contracture and is a response of the body’s natural immune system against a foreign body which in this case is the breast implant. This can cause the implant to feel unnaturally hard and appear misshapen due to being tightened and squeezed. Capsular contracture can be painful and depending on the degree and severity of contraction, surgery is necessary to correct. Although it isn’t completely known what causes capsular contracture to occur, there are things you can do to help prevent it.
Reduce Your Risk of Capsular Contracture
If you’re worried about possibly having complications due to capsular contracture, you may want to consider opting for saline implants. Some studies have suggested that over time, silicone molecules can “bleed” into the implant space and cause the development of hardened scar tissue. It’s also been recommended to place the implant behind the pectoral muscle to reduce your risk of capsular contracture. It’s believed that the constant movement of the pectoral muscles helps to discourage the growth of scar tissue around the implant.
Other ways you may possibly reduce your risk of tissue hardening is by taking antibiotics prior to surgery to lessen your chance of developing an infection. An infection is one of the main reasons for scar tissue to develop around the newly placed implant. Also, following surgery, implant massage and simple arm exercises can be a good preventative measure.
Contact John Park MD Plastic Surgery Today to Schedule Your Consultation!
The number one thing you can do to prevent your chance of developing capsular contracture is to follow Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. John Park’s orders. Follow his pre- and post-op directions to reduce any and all chances of complications.
If you’re considering breast augmentation and you want to discuss your risks of capsular contracture, contact John Park MD Plastic Surgery at (949) 777-6883 to schedule your consultation. Take the necessary steps to ensure you have a successful and complication-free surgery!