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Capsular Contracture

Breast augmentation is one of the commonest cosmetic surgery procedures performed worldwide and is associated with significant patient satisfaction and low complications rates. However, the main long term complication of breast augmentation surgery is capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture is the term used to describe abnormal thickening of the normally- occurring scar tissue (capsule) that the body forms around all silicone breast implants, during a reconstruction or augmentation. As you will be aware, in most patients the capsule is nice and soft and the patient will not have any problems. However, in a number of patients (10-15%), the capsule becomes thickened and may cause hardening of the breast, pain, distortion or a combination of the above. There are different grades of severity of contracture described by Baker – Grade IV  is the most severe.  Capsular contracture may also be the result of chest wall radiation associated with mastectomy, which may be treated and corrected with surgery.

Please remember that when smooth implants were used the capsular contracture rates varied anywhere between 30-60%. The introduction of texturing into implants was the single biggest manoeuvre to reduce capsular contracture rates down to 10-15%. We now know that (macro)texturing may also be associated with a rare condition called ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). Current incidence is quoted at 1:25,000. This should be put into context as the risk for breast cancer is around 1:8 – this makes ALCL very rare indeed. Interestingly the latest generation implants that Mr Banwell uses manufactured by Motiva has a quoted capsular contracture rate of 4% using a so-called SilkSurface shell (non surface or ‘neo-smooth’) and no known cases of ALCL.

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Please contact Mr Banwell's office on 01342 330302 or email help@paulebanwell.com for further information.

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Treatment Factsheet

For your convenience Mr Banwell has created a factsheet for this treatment to download and retain.

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

2 hours

SURGERY TIME

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

1 - 2 Nights

HOSPITAL STAY

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

No

ANAESTHETIC ASSESSMENT

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

Possibly

PRE ADMISSION TESTS

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

Sleeping on back recommended for 4 weeks.

SLEEPING POSITION

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

1 day

REASONABLY MOBILE

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

Shower after 1 day. Bath after 2 weeks.

WASHING

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

3 weeks

DRIVING

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

8 weeks

EXERCISE INCLUDING GYM

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

Restricted activity after 4 weeks

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

8 weeks

FULL RECOVERY

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

2 weeks

TIME OFF WORK

Capsular Contracture
At a Glance

Sports bra worn for 8 weeks. Wired bra after 2 months.

BRAS & GARMENTS

Mr Banwell believes the best treatment for the symptoms of capsular contracture formation is to remove all the scar tissue (capsule) surrounding the implant (a capsulectomy). However, in some patients just releasing the tightness of the capsule (a capsulotomy) may be more appropriate. This is usually combined with the insertion of new implants (implant exchange) or expanders.

Capsulectomy or capsulotomy and the exchange of your breast implants will improve the shape of your breast and help create a softer feel once more. It may also relieve the pain that capsular contracture sometimes causes.

The surgery can take anything up to 3 hours depending on the complexity and severity of the problem. Drains are usually inserted on each side, and these will normally stay in for 1-2 days – the amount of drainage fluid produced is usually more than that produced after your first breast implant operation (but will vary from patient to patient) so be prepared for a couple of days in hospital.

The recovery is often similar to your original operation although this will vary from patient to patient. Mr Banwell recommends you commence wearing a sports bra immediately after your drains are removed and you should continue wearing this day and night for 8 weeks. After the surgery the wound will be dressed with brown micropore tape which is waterproof. You will be able to shower the day after leaving hospital after which you can pat the tape dry with a towel and then use a hair-dryer on a warm setting to ensure the tape is completely dry. You will normally be able to return to work after 2 weeks depending upon how you feel.

In the first week following surgery you should take things very easy, preventing any mishaps. The following week you will find you can do much more and may be ready to return to work. You should avoid lifting and carrying for 2 weeks following surgery and strenuous exercise/physical activity should be avoided for 6 weeks following the surgery to prevent damage to your breasts and their new implants. Many patients find gentle cardiovascular exercises and having a massage are fine after a few weeks. You can drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop otherwise you insurance company may invalidate your insurance.

The operation has a high success rate and patients are grateful once more for a soft, natural breast. However, unfortunately, once an abnormal thickened capsule (capsular contracture) has occurred, recurrence is possible and Mr Banwell will want to follow you up and perform revisions on a regular basis, in the interests of prevention.

Unfortunately complications can occur following any surgery and patients need to be fully aware of this. Mr Banwell does his utmost to minimise the complication rate and likes to practise in a safe manner. The commonest complications are bleeding, haematoma formation and the need to return to theatre, as well as suffering infection, removal of implants, numbness, alteration in nipple sensation, asymmetry in the healing and the final result, palpability, visibility, rippling, clots in the legs and lungs and of course further capsular contracture.

Just a note to say a big thank you for your professional expertise, your excellent care and your kindness towards me during my treatment.


Marilyn W.

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