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Capsular contracture is a complication that sometimes follows breast implant surgery. It occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant begins to contract, squeezing the implant. This condition can cause discomfort and pain, and the breast can appear distorted in shape. Depending on the severity of the condition, capsular contracture can be remedied with corrective surgery.

What is capsular contracture?

Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. The condition most often occurs in newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men. However, it can also develop due to certain medications and conditions. Enlarged male breasts affect many men and can have a serious impact on your quality of lie and self-esteem.


Symptoms of capsular contracture

About 10 percent of patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery will experience some degree of capsular contracture. While the cause is not fully known, factors like genetics, autoimmune conditions, and bacterial infections appear to play a role. Before you undergo any augmentation surgery, Dr. Larson will thoroughly examine your medical records and ask you questions to ensure to minimize your risk factors.

Capsular contracture will generally emerge while your body is healing from your breast implant surgery, most commonly during the first six months following your surgery. While uncommon, capsular contracture can also occur many years after breast augmentation surgery. Symptoms include the following:

  • One or both breasts feel firmer, hard, or rounder
  • A feeling of tightness in one or both breasts
  • Change in the shape of your breast or breasts, causing them to look distorted or misshapen
  • Change in the position of your breast or breasts
  • Breasts feel sore or tender

How is capsular contracture treated?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, be sure to contact Dr. Larson. Dr. Larson goes to great lengths to prevent capsular contracture both before, during, and after surgery. However, since everyone has a unique immune response, it can not be ruled out as a possible complication.

Both non-surgical and surgical options exist to treat capsular contracture. During your consultation, you and Dr. Larson will go over your exact symptoms and preferences and determine the most suitable treatment for you. In milder cases, massage, ultrasound and/or medications may be sufficient to help relax and soften the firm capsule. In more severe cases, corrective surgery can be performed. The procedure will depend on the degree of the condition.

Corrective surgery

During corrective surgery for capsular contracture, Dr. Larson will partially or fully remove the scar tissue capsule. In most cases, he will also replace the implant. He will use the incisions made during your augmentation surgery so that you won’t have any new scars. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take up to about three hours. It is normal to feel sore and groggy for the first few days. Dr. Larson will keep you under close supervision with follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing as it should after your procedure.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need.

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