Understanding the Risks of Capsular Contracture Before Opting for Breast Enhancement Surgery
Preventative measures for capsular contracture, a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery, are crucial for a successful outcome. Dr. Rajat Gupta, a specialist in breast augmentation surgery, shares his insights on the best practices to reduce the risk of this complication.
One of the key strategies is careful implant placement. Instead of positioning the implant above the pectoral muscle (subglandular), Dr. Gupta recommends placing it beneath the muscle (submuscular), as this method is associated with a reduced risk of capsular contracture.
The choice of implant type also plays a significant role. Smooth-walled implants are believed to lower the incidence of capsular contracture compared to textured implants.
A meticulous, bloodless surgical technique is another essential factor. Minimizing inflammation and scar tissue formation is crucial for preventing capsular contracture.
Postoperative care is equally important. Adherence to postoperative instructions, including infection control, inflammation management, and possibly a prescribed massage regimen, can help reduce excessive scar tissue formation.
Some doctors also recommend physical therapy, such as massage programs or manual therapy under expert supervision, to maintain breast softness and prevent capsule tightening.
While no method guarantees prevention, combining these approaches can significantly reduce the risk of this complication.
If capsular contracture does develop, early treatment of inflammation and inflammation control can help mitigate its progression. Medical treatments such as leukotriene inhibitors or non-invasive therapies like external ultrasound are sometimes used, although these are more for treatment than purely prevention.
Dr. Rajat Gupta, a board-certified plastic surgeon in India with 15 years of experience, offers the best remedies and cosmetic procedures equipped with the latest technology. To book an appointment, call 91-9251711711 or email contact@our website.
It's important to note that capsular contracture is more common within two years of breast augmentation surgery, especially with affordable breast implants. To minimise the risk, thorough washing of the pockets where the implants are to be placed with a triple antibiotic mixture is a precaution taken during surgery.
Other precautions include changing surgical gloves just before the actual placement of implants, using a plastic barrier to cover the skin to prevent the implant from touching the skin, and using a plastic patch or nipple shield during surgery to cover the surgical field from the bacteria source, as nipple ducts are known for harbouring bacteria.
Avoiding periareolar incision during breast augmentation surgery is also recommended due to its higher risk of capsular contracture. The Baker Grading System is used to grade capsular contracture, with Grade I being soft breasts with natural looks, and Grade IV being hard, painful breasts that look unusual.
In summary, the best preventive approach integrates careful implant selection and placement by an experienced surgeon with attentive postoperative care focused on inflammation control and physical management of scar tissue. By following these guidelines, women can significantly reduce their risk of capsular contracture and enjoy the benefits of breast augmentation surgery.
- Dr. Gupta advocates for placing breast augmentation implants beneath the muscle (submuscular) to lower the risk of capsular contracture.
- Surgical techniques should be meticulous, bloodless, and aimed at minimizing inflammation and scar tissue formation to prevent capsular contracture.
- Adherence to postoperative instructions, which may include infection control, inflammation management, and a possible massage regimen, can help reduce excessive scar tissue formation.
- Some doctors might suggest physical therapy after breast augmentation surgery to maintain breast softness, prevent capsule tightening, and decrease the risk of capsular contracture.
