What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture refers to the formation of scar tissue around any type of implant, including breast implants. This is actually a perfectly normal part of the healing process. However, some patient’s bodies overproduce scar tissue which compromises the look of the implants. In severe cases, it can cause pain. A patient experiencing symptoms of capsular contracture may have breasts that appear misshapen or hard. The look of the nipples is also sometimes affected.
Treating capsular contracture consists of many options. Depending on the grade of capsular contracture, ultrasound assisted massage may reduce symptoms or treat it altogether. In major cases of capsular contracture, breast revision surgery may be required to remove the affected implants. Usually, breast implants can be re-inserted following an en bloc removal.
Preventing Capsular Contracture
There are many procedures and precautions Dr. Jonov follows to prevent capsular contracture before, during, and after surgery. Prior to surgery, Dr. Jonov will want to ensure you are not prone to the overdevelopment of scar tissue. This can place you at a higher risk of capsular contracture. Other factors like smoking and medical history can contribute to capsular contracture occurrences.
During surgery, Dr. Jonov uses the “no touch” technique to place the implant. This prevents bacteria and other contaminants from reaching the implant. Placing implants under the muscle also reduces the risk of capsular contracture. However, this placement may not be ideal for every patient.
After surgery, Dr. Jonov recommends a series of ultrasound lymphatic massages. This can lead to a more comfortable recovery and prevent capsular contracture. Most cases of capsular contracture happen within a few years of surgery. Therefore, Dr. Jonov will want to stay in good contact with you throughout your recovery.
Breast Implant Rippling
Breast implant rippling refers to when wrinkles on the surface of the breast implant become visible on the breast. Implant rippling is not inherently dangerous or painful, but it can make your breast implants obvious or cause distress.
All types of breast implant can ripple, although saline breast implants are much more likely to ripple than silicone implants. While silicone implants rarely ripple, round silicone implants have a higher chance of rippling than teardrop shaped implants.
Most of the time, rippling is caused when saline implants are under or overfilled. Or, in thinner patients, especially if the implants are placed above the muscle. For patients with little existing breast tissue, implant placement should be carefully considered to avoid rippling.
Preventing Rippling
The number one way to prevent rippling is to choose the optimal implant type and placement for your body type. During your consultation, Dr. Jonov will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine which implant type will provide the best result.
In general, silicone implants are less likely to ripple and placing implants under the muscle usually hides any wrinkles. In extreme cases of rippling, a breast revision can address and correct breast implant rippling. Although, rippling does not pose any health risk and does not require correction unless a patient desires it.
Rupture
Breast implant rupture is when an implant develops a tear or hole. This can occur in any type of implant. When a saline implant ruptures, it usually becomes obvious quickly because the saline will leak out and the implant usually deflates. Saline is found naturally in the body, therefore, a saline implant rupture usually is not a medical emergency. Although, the implant should be removed or replaced.
A silicone implant rupture can go undetected. However, modern silicone implants are designed to hold their form, so that silicone does not leak into the body. The FDA determined that silicone poses no major risk to the body in the event of a silicone breast implant rupture. Yet, as soon as rupture is detected, the implants should be removed or replaced.
An implant rupture can have many causes. Among the most common causes of breast implant rupture are:
- Faulty implant
- Damage to the implant sustained during surgery
- Injury or major impact (such as a car accident)
- Biopsy
- Aging implant
- Capsular contracture
- Implants placed before 1992
Preventing Rupture
Today’s breast implants are designed to last longer and hold together better than ever before. The best ways to minimize chances of rupture are to avoid situations that could cause damage or injury to the breasts or implants. Additionally, anyone with silicone implants should have screenings at least every 2-3 years to check for rupture.
Beyond this, the “no touch” technique prevents Dr. Jonov from touching the implant during surgery. This minimizes the chance for damage to the implant during surgery. Otherwise, preventing pressure against the chest, having regular screenings, and staying in contact with Seattle Plastic Surgery helps prevent rupture.
