Capsular Contracture Treatment

The severity of capsular contracture is rated using a grading system known as The Baker System. It includes four types.

• Baker type I – Breast feels soft with no obvious capsule, no treatment required.
• Baker type II – The breasts will usually appear normal in shape but feel somewhat firm to the touch.
• Baker type III – The breasts will be firm to the touch and appear abnormal, e.g., they will be overly round, hard-looking and the nipples may be misshapen.
• Baker IV – In addition to the symptoms in type III, patients also experience breast soreness; their breasts will often be tender and painful to the touch.

In Types I and II Capsular Contracture, I normally advise my patients to massage their breast using a specific compression technique to try and break the capsule and prevent it from developing further. Proper technique, adequate duration and frequency are key for this method to work.

In Types III and IV capsular contracture, treatment is usually surgical, in the form of capsulectomy, entire removal of capsule and the implant. Ideal scenario would be to allow the breast tissue to recover for a few months before re-augmentation. However, in most cases patients choose to re-augment at the same time as the capsulectomy procedure.

• Smoking
• Autoimmune disorders like Lupus
• Severe trauma to the breast
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Inflammation caused by direct sunlight during the first few months after surgery.
• Radiation therapy (following Breast Cancer)
• Hematoma (a break in blood vessel, causing localised bruising or blood clot)
• Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
• Bacterial infections
• Silicone molecules leaking into the pocket surrounding the implant

Sub-glandular Placement – You may be more likely to develop capsular contracture when your implants are placed over your muscle.

Each surgeon has their own recommendations, Mr Rezai will discuss his recommendations with you at your consultation and post-surgery follow ups.

Treatment for severe capsular contracture (Types III & V) includes implant replacement (with another brand or texture), or implant removal. Unfortunately, following implant replacement, the risk of capsular contracture reoccurring increases to 50%. The only treatment that guarantees the condition won’t return is the permanent removal of the implants and surrounding capsule. However, many times this is not the preferred option for patients.

A capsulectomy procedure, removal of the capsule, is always performed at the same time as breast implant removal or replacement. Sometimes patients request a total enbloc instead of a capsulectomy. Enbloc is when the implant and the capsule is removed at the same time with the implant still inside the intact tissue capsule. However, it should be noted that this may not be possible in some cases where the capsule is very thin or has become attached to the chest wall. Your surgeon will be able to discuss your options with you in more detail at your consultation.

• Breast Surgery Instructions