Capsular Contracture Correction
in Albany, Hudson Valley, and the Berkshires
Rediscover Comfort and Confidence
Why Choose Dr. Kaufman for Capsular Contracture Correction?
Capsular contracture can cause discomfort, breast asymmetry, and aesthetic concerns for individuals with breast implants. Fortunately, advanced surgical techniques can address these complications effectively. Capsular contracture is one of the most challenging complications of breast augmentation or reconstruction, requiring a highly skilled surgeon to achieve successful outcomes. Dr. Kaufman is a leading expert in breast implant revision, with over a decade of experience treating breast implant complications. As a dual board-certified breast and plastic surgeon, he understands the physical and emotional toll capsular contracture can take.
Dr. Kaufman’s “Back to Breast Beautiful” approach combines precise surgical techniques with advanced non-surgical options when appropriate. His patient-first philosophy ensures individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, setting the stage for outstanding results, especially with his Albany Capsular Contracture Treatment.
Capsular Contracture Treatment at a Glance
- What It Treats: Implant-related complications such as pain, tightness, and breast deformity caused by capsular contracture.
- Procedure Duration: Typically 2–4 hours, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Downtime: Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in 4–6 weeks.
- Results: Softer, more natural-looking breasts with restored symmetry and comfort.
- Treatment Options: Includes both surgical (capsulectomy, implant repositioning) and non-surgical solutions (medications, ultrasound therapy).
Behind the Tightness
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture treatment is needed when the natural scar tissue (capsule) surrounding a breast implant thickens, tightens, and compresses the implant. While a thin capsule forms around all breast implants as part of the body’s healing process, capsular contracture causes this capsule to become abnormally stiff. This can lead to pain, restricted movement, and breast deformities, such as a “high-riding” implant.
Capsular contracture is classified into four grades (Baker's scale):
- Grade I: The implant is soft, with no noticeable symptoms.
- Grade II: Slight firmness without visible deformity.
- Grade III: Firmness with visible deformity but no pain.
- Grade IV: Firmness with pain and visible deformity.
Capsular contracture can develop weeks, months, or even years after surgery, and while its exact cause is unknown, it is believed to result from immune responses, bacterial contamination, or surgical factors.
Preventative and Treatment Options
Treatment options for capsular contracture include both non-surgical and surgical approaches:
Non-Surgical Options
- Ultrasound energy therapy
- Steroid injections
- Targeted anti-inflammatory medications (with varying degrees of success)
Surgical Options
Dr. Kaufman’s “Back to Breast Beautiful” approach includes removing old implants and the surrounding capsule through a capsulectomy. Capsular contracture treatment in Albany involves:
- Removing as much of the capsule as possible.
- Irrigating the implant pocket with antibiotics and antiseptic solutions.
- Repositioning the implant for a softer, more natural look.
When implants are initially placed under the muscle, Dr. Kaufman often relocates them directly under the breast tissue to eliminate muscular animation deformity. This comprehensive surgical strategy provides relief from pain and restores a natural breast appearance.
Relief and Restoration
What is the Capsular Contracture Treatment Like?
The surgical approach to correcting capsular contracture is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Dr. Kaufman typically performs a capsulectomy, which involves the removal of the hardened capsule and, often, the replacement or repositioning of the implants.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort.
- Capsule Removal: The thickened capsule is carefully excised, with the goal of removing as much of it as possible.
- Implant Pocket Irrigation: The implant pocket is thoroughly cleansed with antibiotic and antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of recurrence.
- Implant Repositioning: Implants are often moved to a new location, such as from beneath the muscle (submuscular) to above it (subglandular), to improve aesthetics and comfort and reduce animation deformity.
- Reconstruction: If necessary, the procedure may include additional reconstruction steps to restore symmetry and improve the breast’s overall appearance.
A surgical Capsular Contracture Treatment typically takes 2–4 hours, and most patients can return home the same day.
The “Back to Breast Beautiful” Approach
This surgical method effectively addresses long-standing contracture through a capsulectomy and implant repositioning. By creating a new implant pocket under the breast tissue, Dr. Kaufman reduces the risk of recurrence and ensures a softer, more natural breast appearance. Postoperative results often include decreased pain, improved symmetry, and enhanced breast aesthetics.
For patients experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction due to capsular contracture, this approach offers a reliable solution tailored to individual needs.
Pinpointing Pain
What Conditions Does a Capsular Contracture Treatment Address?
With Capsular Contracture Treatment Albany patients can treat a range of complications, including:
- Pain or discomfort caused by hardened capsules.
- Breast asymmetry or visible deformity.
- High-riding implants that appear unnaturally positioned.
- Restricted implant movement or stiffness.
A Shortcut to a Softer, Natural Look
What are the Benefits of Capsular Contracture Correction?
Capsular contracture correction offers both physical and emotional benefits, including:
Restored Comfort
Capsulectomy relieves pain and discomfort caused by the tightening of the implant capsule, improving quality of life.
Improved Aesthetics
By repositioning or replacing the implants, the procedure restores a more natural breast shape, resolving issues like asymmetry or distortion.
Enhanced Confidence
Patients often report a renewed sense of self-assurance following the procedure, knowing their breasts look and feel their best.
Is This the Right Solution for You?
Am I a Candidate for Capsular Contracture Correction?
Ideal candidates for capsular contracture treatment are those who:
- Experience pain, tightness, or aesthetic concerns related to breast implants.
- Have been diagnosed with Grade III or IV capsular contracture.
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for surgery.
A consultation with Dr. Kaufman is essential to determine the best course of action.
Smooth Healing, Beautiful Outcomes
Capsular Contracture Recovery
Recovery from capsular contracture surgery involves several stages:
- First Week: Swelling and moderate discomfort with minor bruising are common.
- Weeks 1-2: Patients can gradually return to moderate level of activiteis activities, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided in the first week.
- Week 3 and Beyond: Most patients achieve full recovery and can resume all normal activities.
Dr. Kaufman provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process and optimal results.
Transformations That Last
Capsular Contracture Treatment Results
Patients typically notice immediate improvements in breast appearance following surgery, though swelling may obscure final results for several weeks. Full results are generally visible within 3–6 months.
- Longevity: Unfortunately, outcomes with capsular contracture surgery can be unpredictable and recurrence is not uncommon.
- Expected Outcomes: Patients report softer, more natural-looking breasts with restored comfort and symmetry.
Capsular Contracture Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact cause is not fully understood but may involve immune responses, bacterial contamination, or surgical factors.
Capsular contracture is the most common complication following breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Risk factors include a history of radiation treatment, surgical complications such as bleeding, and bacterial contamination of the implant pocket.
Proper surgical techniques, such as irrigation of the implant pocket with antibiotic and antiseptic solutions and the use of a “no-touch” technique (employing a funnel device for implant placement), help reduce the risk of capsule formation.
Capsular contracture can develop as early as a few days after surgery or decades later. There are no definitive tests to predict a patient’s risk of developing this complication.
Although capsular contracture cannot be completely prevented, risk can be minimized through meticulous surgical techniques. For patients at higher risk, such as those with prior radiation or a history of contracture, certain anti-inflammatory medications may help.
While factors like implant placement and biologic coverings have been studied, Dr. Kaufman prefers implant placement above the muscle to avoid animation deformity and pain associated with under the muscle placement of implants.
In some early-stage cases, non-surgical options like anti-inflammatory medications, ultrasound therapy, or steroid injections may help.
Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous work within 1–2 weeks, depending on their recovery progress.
Insurance coverage varies; some policies may cover procedures deemed medically necessary, such as those addressing pain or severe deformity.
While advanced techniques significantly reduce recurrence risks, capsular contracture can still return with unpredictable frequency.
