Capsular Contracture Surgery in Atlanta, GA
It’s normal for the body to respond to a breast implant by forming a rind of scar tissue around it. This is called a capsule. A capsule can serve a positive function, helping to hold the implant in position. But when this layer of scar tissue thickens and hardens, in a reaction called capsular contracture, the breast’s shape can be distorted, and the problem can cause discomfort or pain. When women experience capsular contracture, breast revision surgery removes the hardened capsular tissue, a procedure known medically as capsulectomy. The implant may be removed or replaced as part of the procedure.
Mark Crispin, MD, at Crispin Plastic Surgery, performs capsular contracture surgery in Atlanta to remove hardened capsular tissue and restore the patient’s comfort and appearance. Dr. Crispin is a board-certified plastic surgeon who consistently delivers beautifully natural-looking results for his patients. He has the skill and experience to perform the often-complex procedures required for breast revision. He and his staff run a warm and welcoming practice where patients are listened to and valued for who they are.
Learn more about options for your capsular contracture at Crispin Plastic Surgery by scheduling a complimentary consultation today with Dr. Crispin.
Capsular Contracture in Breast Augmentation
What Are My Capsular Contracture Surgery Options?
Options for capsular contracture surgery include:
- Partial capsulectomy removes a portion of the hardened capsule tissue to relieve pressure on the implant. In some cases, this can eliminate discomfort and restore an attractive breast shape.
- Total capsulectomy, in which all the capsular tissue is removed after the implant is removed.
- En bloc capsulectomy separates the capsular tissue from the surrounding breast tissue, and the capsule and implant are removed together in one piece.
Dr. Crispin will make and explain his recommendations to you during your consultation. The other decision is whether or not to replace the implants. This is a matter of both aesthetics and risk, and the decision will be made in consultation with Dr. Crispin.
If you choose to replace the implants, Dr. Crispin may recommend options to reduce the risk of recurrence of capsular contracture. One of these is the use of a product called acellular dermal matrix (ADM), which adds stability and support to the tissue around the implants. ADM can also reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Another option is to place the new implants below the chest muscles (submuscular placement), where they won’t be in contact with the tissue within the breast.
If you choose not to replace the implants, you might consider a breast lift to enhance the shape of your breasts after implant removal and to correct any sagging.
Planning Your Capsular Contracture Surgery
Planning for your capsular contracture surgery starts with your consultation with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to understand your concerns and any discomfort you may be experiencing and will perform an examination. He will also answer all the questions you may have. Based on his observations and what he learns from you, he will recommend an approach to treatment that will give you optimal results in the safest way. He will explain his surgical plan and what you can expect throughout the process.
Dr. Crispin’s goal in every cosmetic surgery is to create natural-looking results that are in harmony with the patient’s features, taking the surgical approach that promises the best outcomes and holds the lowest risk.
Exceptional Results & Compassionate Care
For over 25 years, Dr. Crispin has been the top choice for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in the area. You’re provided with professional and compassionate care at the office, and it’s no wonder Dr. Crispin is named one of the Top Doctors in 2023 by Atlanta Magazine.
What to Expect After Your Capsular Contracture Surgery
Your experience in recovery from capsular contraction surgery will be similar to your recovery from your original augmentation procedure. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery once the anesthesia has worn off and you are fully alert. Plan to rest at home for a few days. After your surgery, you will need to wear a supportive bra. This bra will help keep your breast tissue (and implants, if they’ve been replaced) in position as you heal and reduces swelling and discomfort. Any initial discomfort can be managed with pain medication. You’ll probably need help with household tasks for the first few days, as you won’t be able to reach above your head or lift anything heavy.
Dr. Crispin and his staff will provide you with detailed instructions on:
- Self-care and wound care as you heal
- When to return follow-up appointments
- How to get answers to any questions or concerns
- When and how to resume normal activities
Most patients can return to work 5 to 7 days after their surgery. You might need more time off if your surgery involved placement of ADM or if your job requires heavy lifting. You can resume low-impact aerobic exercise about a month after surgery and all vigorous physical activity in approximately two months.
Schedule Your Atlanta Capsular Contracture Consultation
If you are concerned that you may have capsular contracture, contact Crispin Plastic Surgery online or by calling (404) 257-0064 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Crispin. He will ask questions to understand why you are concerned, examine you, and recommend the best and safest approach to correct the problem. Patients throughout the Atlanta area choose Dr. Crispin because of his caring approach, surgical expertise, and beautifully natural-looking results.
Atlanta Capsular Contracture - FAQs
Capsular contracture can occur with different levels of severity. The breasts look and feel natural on the mildest end of that range. With more thickening and hardening of the capsule (the rind of scar tissue around the implant), the breast still looks normal but feels unusually firm. At either of these stages of capsular contracture, surgery is not needed. There’s no discomfort and no change in breast appearance.
Surgery may be necessary only when the condition is more severe. You’ll know this is the case if you notice a change in breast shape from the hardened capsular tissue or if you feel discomfort or pain.
This condition is typically not dangerous to your health unless it causes the rupture of a silicone gel implant. If a rupture occurs, there’s some risk, over time, of the silicone gel spreading into the surrounding breast tissue.
A rupture is a tear or hole in the outer layer of the implant’s shell. A saline implant will fully deflate when ruptured, losing its original shape and size. This is usually noticed as a reduction in breast volume, which is a cosmetic but not a medical concern. The saline solution is simply absorbed into your body without consequence. When this happens, the damaged saline implant can simply be exchanged.
Silicone gel implant ruptures may be more difficult to detect, as there is typically no change to the volume or shape of the breast (beyond the effects of capsular contracture). The best way to confirm a rupture is with an MRI, which is 90% sensitive. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the gel can migrate through the tear in the implant and may or may not remain within the capsule. This will increase the chance of capsular contracture in the breast with the ruptured implant.