Capsular Contracture Surgery & Revision Breast Surgery

Capsular contracture is common in patients who have had mammary prosthesis in for over 10 to 15 years. When a breast implant is placed in the body, the body always forms a lining around the breast implant. Occasionally, the lining can form aggressively and contract. When the lining begins to contract aggressively, the implant starts to displace superiorly where there is less resistance than against the fold. Often the lining contracts against the muscles and the ribs, which can cause pain.  The mammary prosthesis then tends to reposition itself upwards, as there is less resistance “up” then against the fold inferiorly. Typically, the shoulder girdle on that side begins to get tight. Patients often complain of chest, shoulder, and neck pain. 

 

Capsular contracture surgery often requires release or excision of the capsule. The capsule often adheres to the underlying pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscle. The capsule is often excised or scored in this area to allow the shoulder girdle to open up.

 

Capsular contracture surgery is performed under a general anesthetic and can take approximately 2 to 3 hours depending upon procedures performed to the breast.

 

Often, after surgery, patients not only experience an improvement in their overall breast contour, but also in their overall pain.