What Causes Capsular Contracture?

"What causes capsular contracture?" is a question asked by every cosmetic surgeon and many patients who have received or are considering breast augmentation surgery. Capsular contracture affects a noticeable percentage of women with breast implants and can develop immediately after surgery or at any time in the future. Contracture comes in all severities and can create minor or extreme effects on the breast and the patient's health in general.

What causes capsular contracture

Capsular Contracture Contributors

There is no set pattern for who will experience capsular contracture and who will not. However, there are factors which can contribute to significant implant constriction and other factors which may mitigate contracture: * Smoking
* Breast Trauma (compression creating inflammatory response)
* Post operative infection or contamination
* Hematoma or seroma formation post surgery
* Leaking silicone gel inside capsule
* Development of certain diseases or health conditions
* Overactive immune system response
* Radiation therapy in or near the breast
* Surgical complication
* Multiple breast surgeries

* Breast reconstruction rather than simple augmentation

* Old implants

Preventing Capsular Contracture

There are numerous theories which have surfaced indicating certain measures which may help prevent capsular contracture from occurring or at least limiting the condition to an asymptomatic form:

* Submuscular or subpectoral implant placement
* Regular breast massage, especially quadrant massage
* Usage of textured breast implant shells
* Usage of saline breast implants
* Avoiding periareolar incisions to prevent bacterial infection
* Ultra-sanitary operating conditions

* Maintain good general health

The Bottom Line on What Causes Capsular Contracture

Capsular constriction can be a mild annoyance or a serious concern, depending on the extent of the contracture. Capsule formation is completely normal and expected in any breast implant procedure. However, symptomatic contracture is difficult to predict. Talk to your doctor about taking every step possible to avoid a severe capsular contracture from occurring. Make sure to discuss preventative measures both before and after surgery. If you do happen to develop a contracture, make sure to get knowledgeable medical assistance, as soon as possible, to minimize damage and facilitate easy correction of the condition.

Share your own breast improvement story at our
Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum

What Causes Capsular Contracture to Breast Augmentation & Breast Lift
1/14/08 Revised 3/8/08