Capsular Contracture Surgeon in Newport Beach, Dr. Dickinson, Specializes in Reconstructive Surgery
The Procedure: Typically, when we perform capsular contracture surgery, the same or a new incision is used to remove the capsule and the breast implants. Occasionally, a simultaneous lift is performed and a new incision is placed on the breast.
The surgical pocket has already been created from the previous surgery and pain is often less than that of their first surgery. If there is a change of plane of the implant from subglandular to submuscular there may be some discomfort, but this can be controlled with pain medication.
If the implant is in the submuscular position, and there is a change to subglandular, then sutures are used to reconstruct the pectoralis muscles. Again, any discomfort from the surgery can be controlled with pain medications.
Capsular Contracture Revision Augmentation
The Recovery: Capsular contracture and implant replacement surgery is usually more extensive than primary breast augmentation. While post-operative pain may be managed, women can be back to light work within a matter of days. Strenuous physical activity is not recommended for 4-6 weeks following this surgery as this may increase risk for hematoma and repeat capsule formation.
It’s very likely, yes. When any foreign object is placed in the body, the body forms a lining, or capsule, around it. In some patients and under certain circumstances the capsule that forms can thicken and contract aggressively. When this capsular contracture occurs around a soft breast implant, the breast may change contour and become firm. Capsular contracture can occur at any time after breast augmentation. When the capsular contracture causes the breast to become firm, painful, or interfere with mammography, the breast capsule should be removed.
Yes! Many women who have their breast capsules removed also opt to have their implants exchanged at the same time. Frequently women may have had their implants for a significant period of time and wish to upsize, downsize, change profile, or implant type (i.e. saline for silicone).
Drains may be used following the surgery depending on the amount of surgery required, change in implant size, change in implant plane, and surgeon preference.
In some women who have waviness, rippling, synmastia, or fold malposition we use Strattice as an extra layer or as a check ligament to hold the implants in place.
In these patients I typically use drains to prevent the accumulation of fluid between the implant and the Strattice. I traditionally like to use small diameter round drains which in my experience tend to hurt less when they are removed.
Plastic surgeons in the United States and in foreign countries are studying the causes of capsular contracture and ways in which to prevent it. It is important to listen to your physician post-operatively and follow their recommendations to ensure best results.
Getting Started
Call Dr. Dickinson’s office to schedule your initial consultation. Share your goals with Dr. Dickinson so that he can suggest the appropriate procedure. Once you’ve mad up your mind to proceed you’ll schedule a pre-op appointment and surgery date in the Newport Beach plastic surgery center. Following the procedure Dr. Dickinson will monitor your healing with proactive follow-up appointments.
