The Causes of Capsular Contracture Must Be Identified Accurately

The Causes of Capsular Contracture Must Be Identified Accurately

Capsular contracture of the breast is a common complication that can occur after breast implant insertion. This happens when the fibrous capsule that forms around the breast implant becomes abnormally thick and firm, which changes the shape and feel of the breast.

Normally, a thin capsule forms around a breast implant and stably encloses it, but when capsular contracture occurs, this capsule gradually shrinks and hardens, causing the breast to become irregular in appearance or feel hard and painful.

What Is Capsular Contracture, a Type of Breast Revision Surgery?

Capsular contracture is one of the most common types of breast revision surgery. It is a symptom in which the capsule formed around the implant becomes abnormally thick and hard, causing problems. It can appear over time after implant surgery, and as capsular contracture progresses, it can affect appearance and function through a hard feeling in the breast, pain, and changes in shape.

Therefore, if this capsular contracture becomes severe, revision surgery may be necessary. Revision surgery includes the process of removing the existing implant and capsule and inserting a new implant or performing the surgery in another form.

What Is the Capsule in the Causes of Capsular Contracture?

The capsule is tissue that naturally forms after breast implant insertion as part of an inflammatory response that occurs when the implant is recognized as a foreign body. After breast surgery, the body forms a thin fibrous capsule around the implant to protect it. This capsule surrounds the implant and helps it settle safely in place without moving.

The capsule that forms around the implant is generally thin and soft. However, sometimes this capsule can form too thickly and firmly. When the capsule contracts too thickly and firmly, this is called capsular contracture of the breast, and it can change the shape of the breast, create a hard feeling, and cause pain.

When Is the Stage That Requires Revision Surgery?

Right after surgery, a thin capsule begins to form around the implant. At this stage, no special problems occur, and the capsule forms softly and flexibly. The implant settles in place stably, and there are no major changes in the appearance of the breast.

However, in some people, the inflammatory response continues excessively, and the capsule may become thick and firm. At this point, as the capsule contracts, the breast changes to feel hard and uncomfortable. If the inflammation becomes prolonged, this capsule gradually contracts and the shape and size of the breast change.

When the capsule contracts, pressure is placed on the implant, causing the breast shape to become asymmetrical or the implant to sit higher or sag. At this stage, capsular contracture is severe enough that the breast becomes hard and pain occurs, so revision surgery is definitely necessary.

Various Causes of Capsular Contracture

After an implant is inserted, the body recognizes it as a foreign body and triggers an inflammatory response. In most cases, the inflammation heals naturally over time, but in some people, this inflammation continues excessively, causing the fibrous capsule to become abnormally thick and contract. This condition can lead to capsular contracture of the breast.

In addition, if an infection occurs after surgery, the inflammation can worsen and the capsule can become hard and thick. Infection is one of the main causes of capsular contracture, and if the infection is severe, surgery to remove or replace the implant may be necessary. In addition, weakened immunity, improper aftercare, and individual constitution can also be causes.

Therefore, before surgery, it is most important to fully consult with the doctor and determine the implant size and type that match the individual’s body shape and condition.

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast implant surgery and can affect appearance and function. If capsular contracture becomes severe, revision surgery may be necessary, and this is done by removing the existing implant and capsule and inserting a new implant.

After revision surgery, recurrence of capsular contracture can be prevented through proper management and prevention, and careful care before and after surgery is necessary to achieve good results. If you have discomfort caused by capsular contracture, it is important to consult a specialized medical team and choose the most appropriate treatment method.