Capsular Contracture (Capsulectomy) in Beverly Hills

Capsular contracture is a relatively rare and painful complication of breast augmentation.

Understanding Capsular Contracture

Whenever a foreign object is inside your body, you will form a protective capsule of scar tissue around it. When you have breast implants placed, this capsule helps to keep them in place. In normal cases, the capsule is soft or slightly firm. With capsular contracture, the capsule tightens around the implant, resulting in severe pain, stiffness, distortion, and potential implant leakage. In severe cases, a surgical procedure called a capsulectomy is required to remove the painful scar tissue and replace the implants.

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How to Prevent Capsular Contracture

It is not possible to predict if you will develop capsular contracture, but there are ways to reduce your risk. Seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your Beverly Hills capsulectomy can ensure that your implants are placed in the safest way possible to minimize your risk for all complications, including capsular contracture.

In addition, studies have shown that the following factors may make you more likely to develop capsular contracture:

Smoking
Breast trauma
Infection
Hematoma
Improper implant placement

During your consultation, Dr. Firouz can review these factors with you and discuss ways to minimize your risk, both during surgery and recovery.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of capsular contracture depend on the degree of your scar tissue. We assess the condition based on the following grades:

Grade 1: Breasts appear soft and natural
Grade II: Breasts appear normal but are firm to the touch
Grade III: Breasts appear abnormal and also feel firm
Grade IV: Breasts are firm, appear abnormal, and feel painful

Capsular Contracture Correction

The surgery to correct capsular contracture is called a capsulectomy. During your capsulectomy in Beverly Hills, Dr. Firouz will re-open your original scars. Through those openings, he will remove the implant and all or a portion of the scar tissue, depending on the severity of your complication. Then, he will insert a new implant, taking extra precautions to prevent scar tissue from forming again.

Capsulectomy Types

At our Beverly Hills practice, there are three capsulectomy types that Dr. Firouz may recommend:

Subtotal Capsulectomy

This approach involves removing part of the capsule. It can be done through a smaller incision than the total or en bloc capsulectomy, which results in a quicker recovery.

Total Capsulectomy

During this surgery, Dr. Firouz will first remove your breast implants and then each capsule.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

This procedure is similar to the total capsulectomy and is performed if you have a ruptured breast implant. With this approach, Dr. Firouz will remove the implant and capsule simultaneously.

Your Recovery

Your recovery will depend on the type of capsulectomy performed. In general, your breasts will feel sore, and you will need to wear a compression bra on top of your surgical dressing. Most patients recover fully from this surgery within about two weeks.

Capsular ContractureFAQ

Is capsular contracture painful?

Yes, most women report a painful feeling in their breasts. Some describe it as a stiffness.

How do I know if I am experiencing capsular contracture?

Most women experience a great deal of pain with this complication. Your breasts may also feel firm and appear distorted. Although you can develop capsular contracture at any time, it is most common in the first three months after surgery.

What should I expect during the consultation for capsular contracture correction?

During your consultation, Dr. Firouz will review your best surgical options. He will address any concerns you have and ensure that you are fully informed about capsular contracture and the treatment options available to you.