What Is A Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is the term used to describe a hard firm breasts after breast augmentation surgery. This is caused by thick firm scar tissue that forms around the implant. Capsular contracture is an unpredictable complication. This is the most common complication following breast augmentation. It can form on either one breast or both. It is more common when the periareolar incision is used.
The examination of each breast is classified on the Baker scale of I to IV:
- Grade I: The breast is soft and normal
- Grade II: The breast is less soft than normal, and the implant can be palpated
- Grade III: The breast is firm, the implant can be palpated easily, and an asymmetrical distortion of shape can be appreciated
- Grade IV: The breast is hard, tender, painful, and the shape distortion is pronounced or severe
Capsular contracture usually develops slowly after breast augmentation surgery. After the breast implants are placed, sometimes the body recognizes them as a foreign object. As a type of defensive response, the body forms a pocket of tissue around the implant. In normal circumstances the capsule of tissue is thin, and still leaves room for the implant to move.
When you experience capsular contracture, your body has formed a thick layer of scar tissue around the breast implant. The breast tissue is hard and other symptoms maybe occurring. In most cases, pain can start when the scar tissue squeezes in on the breast implant.
Capsular Contracture Symptoms
Capsular Contracture is an internal condition causing symptoms that are usually immediately noticeable. The most common symptoms of capsular contracture include: