Capsule formation around an implant (or any other foreign body) is a normal reaction to foreign material. Where this occurs around a breast implant and the capsule shortens or contracts this can distort the shape of the implant. Sometimes this shape change is visible and occasionally causes discomfort. The treatment for this is surgery to remove or release the capsule and replacement of the implants. The surgery lasts 2-3 hours and a drain is requires in each breast. A supportive sports bra is worn after the procedure and a 2-3 day stay in hospital is required at which point the drains are removed. Gentle activity is dependent on your comfort level but is usually achieved 1-2 weeks after surgery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks after the procedure. Wounds should heal by 10 days. Success rates for this procedure are high but capsular contracture can recur though the treatment for this is the same.
Capsular contracture
Also in this section:
- Breast enlargement (augmentation)
- Breast enlargement and lift (augmentation mastopexy)
- Breast reduction
- Correction of breast asymmetry (unequal breasts)
- Breast uplift (mastopexy)
- Tuberous breast correction
- Male breast correction (gynaecomastia)
- Capsular contracture
- Breast reconstruction after breast cancer
- Nipple reconstruction
- Lipofilling (autologous fat transfer)
- Breast surgery after weight loss
