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Understanding Capsular Contracture and Your Treatment Options By Dr. Suzanne Yee on November 11, 2015

A woman covering her breastsPatients of Dr. Suzanne Yee know that they can count on her for straight talk and honest answers. This ability to talk about the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery openly is what makes her one of the leading plastic surgeons in the Little Rock area.

Breast implants can help patients achieve more beautiful curves, though there is the chance that surgery can lead to serious complications as well. Capsular contracture is one such complication following breast augmentation surgery. Let's look at it in more detail right now.

About Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a painful complications of breast augmentation surgery. The condition occurs when scar tissue forms around a breast implant and begins to squeeze the implant. Sometimes the scar tissue is quite thick, other times it's mostly a matter of the compression of the implant.

Whatever the case may be, capsular contracture needs to be taken very seriously and treated through a revision procedure as soon as possible. Thankfully the condition is relatively rare, but patients should understand the potential risk they face before they undergo the procedure.

Signs of Capsular Contracture

The most common signs of capsular contracture are severe pain of the breasts and changes in breast size and shape. Patients will likely also notice that their breasts feel too firm and or have hardened, which is a sure sign that capsular contracture has occurred.

As soon as a patient notices these signs of capsular contracture, it's important to meet with a surgeon to have these matters revised.

Risk Factors for Capsular Contracture

The exact risk factors for capsular contracture have not been identified, though researchers have found that the complication is more likely when there's risk of infection, hematoma, or excessive fluid following the breast augmentation surgery.

This is why great care is taken before and after surgery to ensure that patients are in the best possible condition to heal after they undergo surgery. This includes regular followup visits in those early weeks of recovery to ensure that warning signs of complications are not present.

Treatments for Capsular Contracture

The treatment for capsular contracture is to remove the compressed breast implant and replace it with a new breast implant. Cosmetic surgeons may consider a different method to placement for the breast implants during this revision procedure in order to prevent capsular contracture from occurring again.

The revision procedure itself can vary, though surgeons work carefully and diligently to ensure excellent results. It is, in essence, a second breast augmentation procedure. When possible, surgeons will work through the incisions made for the primary breast augmentation surgery in order to minimize potential scarring.

How Capsular Contracture Can Be Prevented

The best way to avoid capsular contracture is to follow your surgeon's instructions for pre-op and post-op care. By following these notes to the letter, patients will help ensure that they are in the best possible condition to heal and to avoid as many complications as possible in the process.

Learn More About Addressing Breast Implant Complications

For more information about breast augmentation surgery and how it can help you have a fuller bustline and more attractive curves, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Dr. Suzanne Yee and her entire team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.

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Dr. Suzanne Yee

Suzanne Yee, MD

Dr. Suzanne Yee is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in Little Rock, AR, who offers a wide variety of surgical and non-invasive treatments. Dr. Yee is affiliated with several prestigious organizations. Her memberships include:

  • Fellow of American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Fellow of American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
  • Fellow of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Fellow of American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc.
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

To schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art surgical center, please contact us online or call (501) 224-1044.

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