The response of the body to form a contiguous scar around the implant placed in the breast is known as the capsule.
Capsule forms a boundary between the implant and the body, effectively removes the implant from the body.
Capsule plays a significant role in keeping the implant in the upright position.
However, if you in process of planning for breast augmentation and looking forward to visiting Crispin Plastic Surgery center, you should get answers to your curiosities.
One of the major concerns patients have is the fear of capsular contracture.
Yes, the capsule is a reason for most common complications in case of breast augmentation surgery but there are possibilities of reducing the risk.
Capsular Contracture -The Basics
The abnormal response to chronic inflammation causes tightening and building of collagen fibers in the scar capsule is capsular contracture.
Myofibroblast is the formation of abnormal cells which also results in the production of collagen. As a result of this, the breast implants start deforming gradually while being firm apparently.
Varying from one patient to another, this can either be subtle with minimal changes to firmness and appearance, or it can be severe with prominent implant deformation, hardness, and migration. The condition can progress, regress, or can stabilize within months.
Capsule Contracture Risk Reduction Ways
Unfortunately, despite the advancement of cosmetic and plastic surgery, capsular contracture cannot be eliminated completely.
However, there are ways which in the process of breast augmentation surgery can be modified so the risks of capsular contracture are reduced.
The steps will follow, but the first and foremost important factor here is choosing an authentic and good surgery center where proper procedures are followed and hygiene is kept important.
Bacterial contamination is the primary factor that can affect capsular contracture.
Below is the list you need that can reduce the risks further:
Step 1- Pre-Operative Choices
Studies have shown that larger implants have the tendency of putting women at higher risks of capsular contracture by overstretching the soft tissue envelope.
When making a choice for implant size, remember that improperly sized implants can increase the risk of implant mal-position by thinning, stretching the tissue and resulting in the rippling of implants.
Step 2- Incision Choices
Incision choice is as important as making a choice for the implant size. This is also a part of pre-operative choices and has to be made prior to the surgery.
Majority of women choose areola incision, which is great but has greater chances of bacterial contamination as the ducts of areola have bacteria cannot be treated with IV antibiotics or surgical scrubs.
Breast fold incision, on the other hand, is a better choice for reduced risk of capsular contracture.
Step 3- Antibiotic Irrigation
Antibiotic irrigation during breast augmentation surgery is a common step. This takes place in the breast implant pocket.
To improve the antibiotic irrigation, a new recipe of antibiotics is introduced which can lower the risk of capsular contracture.
This recipe was introduced 5 years ago, but the majority of the surgeons are still not using it as discussed.
Step 4- Avoid Excessive Bleeding
During and after the breast augmentation surgery, it is crucial to avoid any excessive bleeding. Loss of blood will cause the implant pocket to develop a high risk of capsular contracture.
The reason behind this is that increased heart rate and blood pressure can cause the tissues to stretch and result in capsular contracture. For the same reason, vigorous exercise is prohibited.
Step 5- Avoid Infections
After the procedure, you will be given antibiotics and other painkillers along with an instruction guideline. All the instructions and medication is for you to recover smoothly without any complications and infections.
A slight infection will possibly cause problems including hardening of the soft tissue around your breast implants.
Step 6- Breast Massage
After the surgery and during the recovery process of breast augmentation, it is recommended for you to slightly massage your breasts.
However, for massage, the timings, direction, amount, and frequency of message plays a significant role but varies greatly on your personal preference.
Step 7- Use of Anti-Asthma Medication
Anti-asthmatic medication has shown a significant impact on reducing the risk of capsular contracture.
These medications are believed in breaking down and absorbing certain chemical factors that cause scar tissue formation around the breast implants to become hard.
However, these medications are to be taken for a specific time frame and for other medications as well, it is best to take any of them after consultation with your surgeon.