What is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture and How can it Be Treated?
Sometimes, no matter how skilled a patient's plastic surgeon is, there are still chances of occurrence of complications during or after surgery. As everyone's body is different, connective tissue composition varies widely from one patient to another. For example, this means that each patient's healing process is unique.
This is where some people tend to develop thick scar tissue after surgery, while others can sustain deep cuts and develop only subtle scarring that fades over time. In this comprehensive guide, let’s discuss in detail about the breast implant capsular contracture and how it can be treated.
What is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture?
The formation of the capsule of scar tissue around your breast implant is a normal healing process after any surgery. The body's natural response to any foreign object is to detect and form a barrier around the scar tissue. In case of breast implants, it's good to form capsules, which helps to keep the breast implants in place, preventing any slippage.
In some patients, the capsule of scar tissue usually becomes hard and starts to contract around the implant. This can lead to both aesthetic problems and pain in breasts. Thus, the overall process is known as breast capsular contraction.
What are the Grades of Capsular Contracture?
There are 4 levels of breast capsular contraction according to the grading system.
Grade 1
Grade 1 capsular contracture is generally asymptomatic. The formation of scar tissue around the implant does not interfere with the size, shape, or texture of the breasts. Here the breasts look more natural and remain soft to touch.
Grade 2
Grade 2 capsular contracture usually presents itself with only minor cosmetic symptoms. Here your breasts will appear normal in shape but feel firm to touch.
Grade 3
Grade 3 capsular contracture presents itself with visible cosmetic symptoms. At this stage your breasts will feel firm to touch and appear abnormal. Breasts are overly round, hard in appearance, and the nipples may appear distorted. However, this grade of capsular contraction often doesn't cause much pain.
Grade 4
Similar to grade 3, grade 4 breast implant capsular contracture causes the breast to become hard and misshapen. Furthermore, patients with capsular contracture experience soreness and their breasts will often feel tender and painful to touch.
Generally, capsular contracture occurs during the healing process after surgery. Plus, nearly 75% of all capsular contractures will occur within two years of the patient's breast augmentation surgery. Sometimes, capsular contracture occurs many years after the surgery, however, that's an exceptional case. If this does occur, the patient's implants must be checked for ruptures.
What are the Causes of Breast Capsular Contraction?
Although the exact cause of capsular contracture is often unclear. But several factors have been identified that could increase the risk of developing this condition:
Bacterial Contamination
Some research has suggested that bacterial contamination during surgery might trigger the healing response, which leads to breast implant capsular contracture. Furthermore, even a small number of bacteria could stimulate the body to create a thicker, and more constrictive scar capsule around the breast implant.
Haematoma
A haematoma is a collection of blood inside the body tissue, which can occur after any surgery. If a haematoma develops around the breast implant, it can increase the risk of capsular contracture. The body's response to the blood collection may lead to more aggressive scarring. Prompt treatment of haematomas is crucial to reduce any risk.
Seroma
Similar to haematoma, a seroma is a collection of serous fluid within the body tissues. This fluid can accumulate around the implant following surgery. While seromas often resolve on their own, however, their presence can increase inflammation and also stimulate the formation of dense scar tissue, which contributes to the formation of capsular contracture.
Implant Type and Surface
The type of implant and its surface texture might also influence the risk of breast implant capsular contracture. Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that textured implants have a lower risk of contracture compared to smooth-surfaced implants.
Conclusion
Capsular contracture is a potential complication of breast augmentation that can impact the appearance and comfort of your breasts. While the exact cause is still unknown, but factors like bacterial contamination, haematomas, seromas, and implant type can contribute to its development. Furthermore, understanding the different grades of capsular contracture can help early detection and treatment.
If you want to get breast capsular contraction treatment, then you can consider choosing Aspen After Surgery!