Capsular contracture: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:31, 16 February 2025

Capsular Contracture[edit]

Capsular fibrosis around a breast implant.

Capsular contracture is a common complication associated with breast implants, where the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens and compresses the implant. This condition can lead to discomfort, aesthetic changes, and in some cases, the need for surgical intervention.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The body recognizes a breast implant as a foreign object and forms a fibrous capsule around it as part of the normal healing process. In some individuals, this capsule can become excessively thickened and contract, leading to capsular contracture. The exact cause of this excessive fibrotic response is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of immune response, bacterial contamination, and genetic predisposition.

Classification[edit]

Capsular contracture is often classified using the Baker scale, which ranges from Grade I to Grade IV:

Grade I: The breast is normally soft and appears natural.
Grade II: The breast is a little firm but appears normal.
Grade III: The breast is firm and appears abnormal.
Grade IV: The breast is hard, painful, and appears abnormal.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of capsular contracture can include:

Increased firmness of the breast
Distortion of the breast shape
Pain or discomfort
Changes in breast position

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of capsular contracture is primarily clinical, based on physical examination and patient symptoms. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options for capsular contracture vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

Non-surgical options: Massage, medications such as leukotriene inhibitors, and external ultrasound therapy.
Surgical options: Capsulectomy, capsulotomy, or implant replacement.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures may include:

Using textured implants to reduce the risk of contracture
Meticulous surgical technique to minimize bacterial contamination
Post-operative massage and exercises

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Capsular Contracture''' is a common complication that can occur following [[breast augmentation]] surgery. It is characterized by the hardening of the breast due to the formation of a capsule of scar tissue around the [[breast implant]]. This can result in discomfort, distortion of the breast shape, and in severe cases, pain.
+== Capsular Contracture ==
-== Causes ==
+[[File:Capsular_fibrosis.jpg|thumb|right|Capsular fibrosis around a breast implant.]]
-The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a response by the body's [[immune system]] to the presence of a foreign object. Other factors that may contribute to the development of capsular contracture include [[bacterial infection]], [[hematoma]], and [[seroma]].
+'''Capsular contracture''' is a common complication associated with [[breast implants]], where the [[scar tissue]] that naturally forms around the implant tightens and compresses the implant. This condition can lead to discomfort, aesthetic changes, and in some cases, the need for surgical intervention.
+== Pathophysiology ==
+The body recognizes a breast implant as a foreign object and forms a [[fibrous capsule]] around it as part of the normal healing process. In some individuals, this capsule can become excessively thickened and contract, leading to capsular contracture. The exact cause of this excessive fibrotic response is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of [[immune response]], [[bacterial contamination]], and [[genetic predisposition]].
+== Classification ==
+Capsular contracture is often classified using the [[Baker scale]], which ranges from Grade I to Grade IV:
+* '''Grade I''': The breast is normally soft and appears natural.
+* '''Grade II''': The breast is a little firm but appears normal.
+* '''Grade III''': The breast is firm and appears abnormal.
+* '''Grade IV''': The breast is hard, painful, and appears abnormal.
 == Symptoms ==
-The symptoms of capsular contracture can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include firmness of the breast, visible distortion of the breast shape, and discomfort or pain. In severe cases, the breast may appear to be sitting higher on the chest than normal and may feel hard to the touch.
+Symptoms of capsular contracture can include:
+* Increased firmness of the breast
+* Distortion of the breast shape
+* Pain or discomfort
+* Changes in breast position
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosis of capsular contracture is primarily clinical, based on physical examination and patient symptoms. Imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) may be used to assess the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues.
 == Treatment ==
-Treatment for capsular contracture can range from non-surgical methods such as [[massage]] and the use of certain medications, to surgical intervention. The type of treatment used will depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's individual circumstances.
+Treatment options for capsular contracture vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
+* '''Non-surgical options''': Massage, [[medication]]s such as [[leukotriene inhibitors]], and external ultrasound therapy.
+* '''Surgical options''': Capsulectomy, capsulotomy, or implant replacement.
 == Prevention ==
-While it is not always possible to prevent capsular contracture, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include following the surgeon's post-operative care instructions, maintaining good overall health, and avoiding activities that could potentially damage the breast implant.
-== See Also ==
+Preventive measures may include:
-* [[Breast Augmentation]]
-* [[Breast Implant]]
+* Using textured implants to reduce the risk of contracture
-* [[Scar Tissue]]
+* Meticulous surgical technique to minimize bacterial contamination
-* [[Immune System]]
+* Post-operative massage and exercises
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Breast implant]]
+* [[Fibrosis]]
+* [[Plastic surgery]]
-[[Category:Medical Conditions]]
+[[Category:Breast surgery complications]]
-[[Category:Plastic Surgery]]
-{{medicine-stub}}