Breast Sensitivity and Capsular Contracture After Breast Implants

Capsular contracture is a condition that can occur following breast implant surgery. It is an immune system reaction to foreign objects in the body, such as implants, and can affect the appearance and sensitivity of the breast over time. Although it is not always an immediate issue, capsular contracture can develop months or even years after surgery. Understanding this condition and its potential causes will help you make informed decisions about your implants and postoperative care.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture happens when the body’s immune response creates a layer of tightly woven collagen fibers around the implant. While this is a normal response to surgically implanted objects, in some cases, the capsule can harden and begin to contract, squeezing the implant. This process can lead to discomfort, pain, and distortion of the breast’s appearance. The exact cause of capsular contracture is unclear, but it has been associated with bacterial contamination, implant rupture, silicone-gel leakage, and hematomas.

Levels of Severity

Capsular contracture is graded on a four-grade Baker scale, based on the severity of symptoms:

  • Grade I: The breast is soft and appears normal in size and shape.
  • Grade II: The breast feels slightly firm but still looks normal.
  • Grade III: The breast feels firm and looks abnormal.
  • Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful, and looks significantly distorted.

Implant Techniques to Reduce Capsular Contracture Risk

In recent years, several techniques have been developed to reduce the likelihood of capsular contracture. These include:

  • Implant Placement: Implants placed sub-muscularly (beneath the chest muscle) are less likely to cause contracture.
  • Implant Material: Textured or polyurethane-coated implants have shown lower rates of capsular contracture.
  • Bacterial Prevention: Minimizing contact between the implant and the chest wall skin during surgery helps reduce bacterial contamination, which is believed to increase the risk of contracture. Additionally, irrigating the surgical site with triple-antibiotic solutions can lower the chance of complications.

Capsular Contracture Correction

Surgical intervention is often required to correct capsular contracture, especially if the patient experiences significant pain or discomfort. In many cases, removing the implant and replacing it behind the muscle wall (sub-muscular placement) is the best option.

There are non-surgical treatments available for less severe cases, including massage, external ultrasound, leukotriene inhibitors, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. However, non-surgical treatments may not be effective for advanced cases.

Choosing the Right Implant

The type of implant you choose can impact your risk of developing capsular contracture. A study presented by Mentor Worldwide LLC, a leading FDA-approved breast implant manufacturer, found that 43% of women with saline breast implants experienced medical issues within three years of surgery. Before scheduling your surgery, it is essential to discuss the benefits and potential risks of both silicone and saline implants with your plastic surgeon, as well as the placement of the implants.

Contact Us

If you have any concerns or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your options, please contact Spring Plastic Surgery at legal@springplasticsurgery.com or call (786) 833-1952. Our clinic is located at 16400 NW 2nd Ave #200, Miami, FL 33169.