Capsular contracture: when does it occur, and what are the symptoms? Insights from an analysis of 82 papers.
Hello, this is U&U Plastic Surgery, a clinic dedicated exclusively to breast surgery.
For those preparing for breast surgery, and for those who have already had it, we are writing this post to explain capsular contracture based on published research.
First, let us disclose the source of the information we are sharing today.
The material above is a research review that analyzed more than 80 papers published over the past 25 years.
It is not the outcome of a single hospital, but a report that draws conclusions about capsular contracture by synthesizing and comparing studies from around the world.
It has been cited more than 300 times in academic circles so far, so you can consider it a trustworthy source.
Based on this material, we would like to explain two things today.
- When capsular contracture most often occurs
- The symptoms that commonly accompany it
Since this post is based on research data, the content may be a bit dense, so please read carefully.
Capsular contracture:
when does it most often occur?
Source
Below are the 80+ papers analyzed in the research material introduced today.
According to the analyzed papers, capsular contracture was found to occur most frequently between 6 months and 1 year after surgery.
For this complication to occur, the capsule must become excessively thick and hard.
However, the capsule does not form immediately after surgery.
The capsule only forms 1-2 months after surgery, so it takes roughly six months to a year for it to grow and contract.
Common symptoms of capsular contracture
Source
The symptoms mentioned in this research material are as follows.
- Hardened feel to the touch
: This is the most common early symptom.
- Shape deformation
: The implant is pushed upward, asymmetry develops, and so on
- Abnormal breast movement
: Occurs because the implant's position has shifted
- Pain
: Pain occurs as the contracting capsule presses on nerves
Of these, if pain has developed, it can be considered the most serious stage.
The severity of capsular contracture is classified into four grades in total.
Grade
Change in symptoms
Grade 1
None
Grade 2
Abnormal firmness to the touch
Grade 3
Abnormal firmness + shape change
Grade 4
Abnormal firmness + shape change + pain
Of these, Grades 1 and 2 do not require revision surgery. However, the report notes that from Grades 3-4, revision surgery may need to be considered.
From one of the papers introduced today - the 4 grades of capsular contracture
In cases this severe, revision surgery is performed in most instances.
During revision surgery, the contracted capsule is usually removed completely.
However, the report notes that patients who have experienced capsular contracture once have a higher recurrence rate after revision surgery.
We also found research reporting a recurrence rate of about 25% or higher after revision surgery.
That is why preventing this complication is the most important thing of all.
To help prevent this complication, hospitals prescribe dedicated medication.
However, capsular contracture medication can cause side effects such as insomnia, hives, and headaches, and some of our patients ask whether they really have to take it.
Those of you reading this post are also very likely to take capsular contracture medication after surgery, so you may well be worried about its side effects.
We covered this in detail in the column below, so please be sure to check it out.
Capsular contracture medication: do you really have to take it? <Advice based on 1,710 implant surgery cases>
Hello, this is U&U Plastic Surgery, which performed 3,023 breast implant surgeries last year…
blog.naver.com
Subfascial breast augmentation side effects and capsular contracture rates? A look at 22 research findings.
Hello, this is U&U Plastic Surgery, which performed 3,023 breast implant surgeries last year…
blog.naver.com
Motiva breast augmentation reviews: does capsular contracture occur? Let's check with research from international journals.
Hello, this is U&U Plastic Surgery, the clinic that used Motiva implants the most last year. * The most Motiva implants in 2024...
blog.naver.com
That is everything we have prepared for today.
Finally, here is a summary of what else to discuss during a clinic visit, aside from capsular contracture.
[Free PDF]
Breast surgery Q&As run for 2 years in mom-community forums
The complete collection
Source
For the past 2 years, we held Q&A sessions on breast surgery in mom-community forums.
We answered questions not only about breast surgery complications, but also from those weighing important life stages such as childbirth and pregnancy.
However, because so many patients now visit us, we are no longer able to offer this help to those considering surgery.
Still, hoping to be of at least some help, we share a selection of the most frequently asked questions from those Q&As.
[Free PDF] A collection of breast surgery Q&As from 2 years in mom-community forums
blog.naver.com
Whichever hospital you choose for your surgery, we believe the material above will help you prepare for your consultation.
Even if you plan to book a consultation within the next 3 months, we hope you will benefit from the material below.
[Free PDF] A collection of breast surgery Q&As from 2 years in mom-community forums
blog.naver.com
If you would like a consultation with us, please schedule an appointment via Naver Booking through the map below.
Thank you for reading this long post.
This has been U&U Plastic Surgery, a breast surgery clinic born from 20 years of research devoted solely to the breast.
Why U&U Plastic Surgery recorded the most breast augmentation surgeries in 2024. <Based on Motiva Korea>
U&U Plastic Surgery is the clinic that performs the most breast augmentation surgeries in Korea…
blog.naver.com
Introducing our breast surgery and anesthesiology & pain medicine specialists.
Most people considering breast augmentation care deeply about the board-certified plastic surgeon performing their…
blog.naver.com
U&U Plastic Surgery Clinic
Myungkwang Building, 819 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul