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Options for capsular contracture?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from Susan: I had immediate reconstruction done using the muscle in my back and an implant. I now have capsular contracture, and I wanted to know what I can do about this. This is the second time having a new implant inserted.
Answer —Carolyn Chang, M.D.: There are several reasons why someone gets capsular contracture. There can be a low grade infection in the capsule. There can be fluid or blood in the area around the implant which will stimulate the tight scar tissue formation. And finally, there's also bad luck. There are a few people where capsular contracture occurs no matter what one does. Some of the best results that we get combating capsular contracture are to use smooth round saline implants, which are slippery on the surface. Therefore, we can really massage that implant and move it around in the pocket, as opposed to a textured implant which tends to stay in place. Also, if an implant exchange surgery is done where the scar tissue is removed, you need to be sure the pocket is fully cleaned and adequately drained so there is no infection.

Finally, speak to your plastic surgeon about why he/she thinks this is recurring. There's also a medicine that is sometimes used to combat capsular contracture: Pavabid. This is a smooth muscle relaxant, but should only be dispensed by a qualified surgeon.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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