Breast augmentation is a very common procedure, and breast implant technology has come a long way over the previous decades. Still, complications can sometimes arise following the placement of breast implants. Breast implant illness is the catch-all term that describes a generalized set of complications that can present themselves following an augmentation procedure.
In some cases, the implant can become hard to touch. Sometimes this comes along with a rippled texture, and in many cases, this hardening of the implant can be quite painful. This is a condition known as capsular contracture, and while it can seem frightening, Dr. Andres and his team are adept at procedures that can effectively remedy this type of situation.
Your Body’s Natural Response to Breast Implants
To understand why capsular contracture occurs, we must first explore your body’s response to the placement of the implant itself.
When an artificial implant is placed within the body, it is initially considered a foreign object. A thin capsule of tissue will form around it to prevent your body from completely rejecting the implant. This prevents your immune system from sounding the alarm, as it were so that the implant can remain in your body unbothered.
When Capsular Contracture Occurs
Earlier generations of breast implants relied heavily on this natural capsule formed by the body to maintain their shape and size, but newer and more advanced generations no longer do so. This current generation of silicone breast implants maintains its shape more effectively on its own, which significantly mitigates the risk for issues like capsular contracture.
Visible Capsular Contracture
If left untreated, capsular contracture can become apparent even to the casual observer. This is usually the point at which the condition becomes especially painful and tends to be the point at which patients are finally compelled to seek medical attention if they have not already done so.
A Shift in Position
Some cases of capsular contracture can cause the breast or breasts to physically shift in position. The resulting asymmetry can be a source of frustration for patients, while also feeling especially uncomfortable.
The Various Types of Capsular Contracture
If you feel as though you might be experiencing capsular contracture, the best choice is to seek out treatment as quickly as possible. This issue can gradually increase in severity if left unaddressed, according to the following scale:
- Grade L involves the formation of a regular, normal capsule.
- Grade LL marks the point at which the breast begins to feel mildly firm.
- Grade LLL involves the breast feeling firmer and beginning to seem distorted in shape.
- Grade LV causes the breast to become hard and distorted and is the point at which the condition becomes painful to those experiencing it.
Capsular Contracture Surgery with Dr. Andres
If you’re experiencing capsular contracture, Dr. Andres is here to help. He has extensive experience treating this condition and can help to restore your bust, eliminating any painful or unsightly abnormalities.
Since no two instances of this condition are exactly alike, each capsule contracture surgery is performed to address the unique needs presented by a given patient. In most cases, Dr. Andres will remove the implant and relieve the capsular contracture it has caused. Breast reconstruction surgery can then be utilized to restore the breast in cases where the implant has been removed completely.
Dr. Andres has years of experience treating patients with capsular contracture and other issues related to breast implant illness. If you think you might be experiencing this particular problem, please don’t hesitate. Reach out and set up your consultation with a member of Dr. Andres’ expert team today.
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