One of the most common complications with breast augmentation is capsular contracture. This is why, if you have had an augmentation, it is best to be aware of the capsular contracture repair Los Angeles services just in case. It is likely that you will not have any problems with your implants, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture sometimes happens after a breast augmentation. It basically means scar tissue forms around the implant and hardens. As a result, the implant becomes tighter, and the scar tissue squeezes it. It is highly unpredictable and can make the breast as a whole feel harder.
How to Prevent Capsular Contracture
There are a number of tools that plastic surgeons use in order to prevent the chance of this complication occurring, including:
- Using textured implants, which minimize the risk of scar tissue forming around them because their surface deters this.
- Using implants under the muscle, which has been shown to significantly lower the risk.
- Using massage therapy if the implant is smooth, although this can only be done by qualified professionals. They also ensure that bruised areas are not massaged.
- Using minimal touch surgery, which can help because it avoids foreign substances from attaching themselves to the breast implant. When this happens, the tissue can become inflamed, which can lead to contracture. Minimal touch surgery is a meticulous procedure whereby only one surgeon is ever allowed to touch the implant itself, and where both surgical tools and gloves are washed several times during the procedure.
- Using vitamin E, which is not suitable for two weeks prior to and after the operation itself, as it can lead to bleeding. However, outside of those timeframes, it is believed to help prevent contracture.
Capsular Contracture Treatment Los Angeles Options
Should you have capsular contracture following a breast augmentation, your Los Angeles physician will be able to offer you various forms of treatment. The most popular options include:
- Offering a course of antibiotics, which is commonly done in these cases.
- A prescription of Zafirlukast, which is a new type of drug that has been designed for asthma patients. Research has shown it also helps to lower the chance of early capsules from forming.
- A capsulectomy, whereby the capsule itself is surgically removed from the implant. Partial capsulectomy can be offered, whereby an incision is made inside the capsule in an effort to stop the scar tissue from growing. In a full capsulectomy, the entire capsule is removed. Partial capsulectomies are less invasive, but it also means that there is a bigger chance of the capsule returning and the implant having to be removed as a whole.
It can be distressing to experience capsular contracture. Women have breast augmentations to regain self-confidence and to feel better about themselves and the last thing they want is to develop problems. It is particularly distressing for women who have had breast cancer, as the hardened tissue can feel like a lump. Hence, do make sure you research the condition so that you are aware of it.