Capsular Contracture in New Jersey
Many people who chose breast implants as part of their breast augmentation truly love their results. But sometimes, things change. If your breast starts feeling stiff or unusually hard, or if the breast shape looks distorted, you might be dealing with capsular contracture. This isn't a flaw in your breast augmentation surgery; it's a specific, strong immune response where the protective fibrous scar tissue tightens up too much over time. This tightening can cause genuine physical discomfort and visual frustration.
The solution isn't a major rehaul. You just need a precise, definitive surgical procedure to restore the comfortable, soft feel you want. We provide that clear fix right here in Montclair, New Jersey.
Capsular contracture is a common breast implant complication that requires specialized expertise to correct successfully. At New Jersey Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeon team, including Dr. Barry DiBernardo and Dr. Matthew Trovato, focuses on complex breast revision surgery cases. Located in Montclair, New Jersey, our priority is giving you a precise breast revision that restores your original breast shape and comfort.
Capsular contracture occurs when the thin layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around the breast implant hardens too much. This dense, constricting fibrous scar tissue starts to squeeze the implant. The condition is usually graded (Baker Grade I-IV). If your breast feels unusually hard or begins to look visibly distorted (Grade III or IV), the capsule is tightening excessively. This means the scar tissue around the implant is causing chronic pain or distortion, requiring a surgical fix to release the pressure.
The best treatment for severe capsular contracture is almost always surgical breast revision. The approach depends on how severe the contraction is.
Addressing capsular contracture is a necessary treatment that returns your augmentation to what it should be. It fixes the discomfort and makes your breast look softer, restoring the symmetry you initially achieved.
If you have firmness, visible distortion, or if your breast feels painful, you are likely a candidate for breast revision surgery. The issue must be the constricting scar tissue capsule and diagnosed as Grade III or Grade IV capsular contracture. This procedure fixes the functional and aesthetic problems caused by the tightening capsule.
Important Health Notes: Safety is critical. Active infections or uncontrolled health issues (like diabetes) must be managed before surgery. If you smoke, you must quit several weeks before the surgical procedure—smoking significantly increases the risk of capsular contracture recurrence.
Capsular contracture addresses both the physical discomfort and the visual problems that develop after breast augmentation.
The breast should feel soft, not hard. Correcting the issue means the breast will feel supple and much more natural, eliminating that unusually hard texture caused by the tight scar tissue.
The tightening of the implant capsule squeezes the implant into a higher, rounder, or distorted shape. Breast revision surgery fixes the contour, ensuring the breast shape sits more naturally on the chest wall.
When the tissue capsule is tight, the edges of silicone implants or saline implants can become visible or easily felt. Capsulectomy combined with careful implant placement helps the breast tissue cushion the implant better, achieving optimal results.
Your consultation involves a detailed physical exam and a review of your medical history, including the type of breast implant you have (whether silicone implants or silicone gel implants) and the contracture history. We'll determine the current Baker grade and discuss solutions, which often mean implant replacement.
Preparation involves standard guidelines: blood tests, stopping any medications or supplements that increase bleeding, and completely stopping smoking—this minimizes the risk of capsular contracture recurring.
This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The duration varies based on the required technique (capsulectomy and implant replacement are more involved than a simple capsulotomy). It usually takes between one and three hours. The plastic surgeon typically uses your existing incision scars to keep new incisions minimal. During the procedure, new surgical techniques are used to clean the implant capsule pocket before placing implants.
You should notice the breast feels softer and the contour is better immediately after surgery. Recovery means taking a few days to a week off work. You must avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. The team will guide you on post-surgical garments and care.
The final, soft, and settled breast shape will be fully apparent within three to six months. To prevent capsular contracture from recurring, we often recommend specific post-operative protocols like massage or anti-inflammatory medications to maximize patient satisfaction.
The cost of addressing capsular contracture is completely customized because it is a breast revision procedure. Costs vary based on the extent of the surgical procedure (capsulectomy vs. capsulotomy), the type of new implants selected, and whether additional material is needed.
The fee includes the board-certified plastic surgeons' fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, the cost of the new implants, and the facility fees for the surgical center. We provide a detailed quote after your consultation.
Dr. Barry DiBernardo is globally recognized as "THE Idea Man," sought out by manufacturers to move treatments from concept to clinical reality. This commitment to innovation extends to every surgical procedure he performs, including complex breast revision surgery that aims for optimal results. Dr. DiBernardo is a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and has been nationally recognized as one of the best plastic surgery experts New Jersey has to offer. Choosing NJPS means selecting an expert who uses the precision of a pioneer to ensure your treatment results in lasting patient satisfaction.
If you are experiencing discomfort, firmness, or capsular contracture distortion in New Jersey, it is time for expert guidance. Contact us online or call (973) 834-6910 to schedule your consultation at New Jersey Plastic Surgery today to discuss capsulectomy and implant replacement or other treatment options.
Hematoma (blood pooling after surgery) and low-level contamination are major risk factors. This is why careful surgical techniques and cleaning the implant capsule pocket are critical during both primary augmentation and revision surgery.
Modern silicone gel implants and saline implants have very similar low rates. The texture and the location of placing implants are generally more important than the material itself.
Severe capsular contracture (Grade IV) almost always requires implant replacement because the constriction may have stressed the old implant. Replacing the device after removing the old implant capsule offers the best chance for optimal results.
Yes. Low-grade bacterial contamination on the implant surface, even if not causing an obvious illness, can provoke a strong immune response that leads to excessive fibrous scar tissue formation. This is a major focus in clinical practice.
Generally, placing implants under the chest muscle is associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture compared to above the muscle, particularly in primary augmentation cases. This is always a key point in revision surgery planning.
Significant trauma can sometimes trigger inflammation, which may cause the existing scar tissue capsule to tighten, leading to pain and a sudden change in breast shape. This needs prompt assessment by a plastic surgeon.
Smooth silicone implants are predominantly used today. While textured implants were used, our surgeons carefully select the right implant based on the patient's breast tissue to minimize the risk of the breast capsule hardening.
New Jersey Plastic Surgery 29 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Our New Jersey Plastic Surgery cosmetic specialists are ready to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with the most advanced treatments the cosmetic industry has to offer. Contact us today to take your first step toward a more beautiful you.
