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There are two ways in which a plastic surgeon can perform a breast augmentation: biocompatible implants or autologous fat transfers. While both methods are typically safe, patients may gravitate toward fat transfer because they have lower risk of reaction.
Meanwhile, implants can result in complications that cause the patient pain. One of the most common complications is capsular contracture. Luckily, there are several ways to treat capsular contracture, depending on the severity of the condition. If you need treatment for capsular contracture in Tampa, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kailash Narasimhan can review your symptoms and treat you so you can return to enjoying your new look without pain.
Capsular contracture is a complication that happens when scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, causing the breast to feel firm and, sometimes, painful. This can also distort the breast’s shape, making it look natural.
The classification of your condition influences how Dr. Narsimhan treats it. There are four classifications, called grades, which are known as Baker classification.
No one fully understands why scar tissue grows abnormally around the implant, but some believe it is related to implant leakage or the body’s inflammatory response. Patients in Tampa have a variety of capsular contracture treatment options at their disposal, but the correct one depends on the severity of the condition.
Dr. Narasimhan will perform a thorough physical examination to determine the severity of your capsular contracture and guide you the potential treatment options. During your consultation in Tampa, we will discuss treatment options that range from non-surgical to surgical interventions.
In mild capsular contracture, typically Baker Grade I or II, regular breast massage and medications may help to soften the scar tissue and stop the progression. When capsular contracture progresses to more severe cases, Baker Grade III or IV, it typically requires surgery to relieve the scar tissue development.
The two treatment surgeries for capsular contracture are a capsulectomy and a capsulotomy. In a capsulectomy, Dr. Narasimhan removes the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant. This includes removing implants and replacing them as needed.
During a capsulotomy, our Dr. Narasimhan surgically cuts the scar tissue, releasing the tension and allowing the implant to return to a natural position. When an implant is replaced, our surgeon may also choose to reinforce the area with an Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM), which helps reduce the risk of the capsular contracture recurring.
Researchers are currently exploring non-surgical treatments, but these are not yet widely adopted or proven effective.
A capsulectomy is the most invasive surgery used to remove scar tissue around the breast implant, requiring postoperative care. In many cases, a capsulectomy is an outpatient procedure in Tampa, but some may need to stay overnight depending on their underlying health conditions and the extent of the surgery on the capsular contracture.
Drainage tubes are typically placed along the surgical site to remove excess fluid that can build up. Draining this fluid helps relieve pressure along the incisions and reduce the risk of infection. The drains are usually released within a few days to a week.
In the first few weeks, you are encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activities, including lifting heavy objects, raising your hands above your head, or engaging in intense physical activities. You will have regularly scheduled follow-up appointments so our surgeon can monitor your healing and address any concerns.
You can expect some swelling and bruising which gradually reduces in the coming weeks. Finally, you will wear a supportive bra or surgical garment that helps reduce swelling and supports the breast tissue as it heals.
Capsular contracture can be painful and disfiguring. When you catch it early, several strategies can be applied to slow or stop the progression and relieve the scar tissue. We encourage you to call our office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how capsular contracture in Tampa may be treated.
