Even though capsular contracture is rare, it is the most common complication of breast enlargement, and the one that women worry about the most. There are a few things that you and your cosmetic surgeon can do to reduce the risks.
Normal healing vs. hardening
Your body"s natural response to breast implants is to form a protective lining around them, called a capsule. This is a good thing, and helps keep them in exactly where you want them.
If that protective lining tightens or thickens, it"s called capsular contracture. It makes your breast hard, and it can distort its shape. It can also be very painful.
Why some breasts harden and some do not
Doctors don"t know for sure why some women experience capsular contracture and others never have a problem, but they have narrowed it down to some risk factors including:
· Autoimmune disorders
· Smoking
· Radiation therapy
· Severe trauma to the breast
· Hematoma
· Seroma
· Bacteria and infections
· Silicone molecules leaching into the capsule
Reducing your risk for capsular contracture
There are some choices you can make regarding your implants and the type of surgery you have, and some things that you can do at home which may help to prevent the problem.
· Massage and exercises after your surgery
Ask your cosmetic surgeon about massage techniques, pocket quadrant exercises, and compression exercises you can use at home to keep your breasts soft and the capsule flexible.
· Vitamin E
Taking Vitamin E can speed healing, reduce scaring, and help keep the capsule soft. It can also increase bleeding and shouldn"t be started right away. Ask your cosmetic surgeon when you should begin taking it and how much will be safe and effective for you.
· Implant type, texture, and placement
Choosing saline implants, implants with a textured surface, and placing implants behind the muscle can all reduce the chance of hardening. None of these choices should be based on the risk of capsular contracture alone.
· "No touch" surgery
The no touch technique is used to prevent even the smallest amount of bacteria getting in and being sealed in with your implant. Once the pocket is made it is washed out and coated in an antibiotic solution and everything, including the gloves your surgeon wears, the instruments, and the implant itself, that touches you after that is coated in the solution as well.
Most women who choose breast augmentation never have a problem. Even if you are considering a second breast enlargement surgery and experienced capsular contracture before, it does not mean you will experience it this time around.