Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure, enhancing your confidence, balancing your figure, and helping you feel more like you. But like any surgery, it comes with potential risks. One of the most common complications is something many patients have never heard of until it happens: capsular contracture.
At Sunset Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Yamini, a double board-certified, award-winning plastic surgeon, is dedicated to educating patients about their options, expectations, and outcomes. That includes knowing the early signs of capsular contracture, how it’s treated, and what steps can help lower the risk from the very beginning.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
After breast implant surgery, your body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around the implant. This is called a capsule. It’s part of the body’s normal healing process, and in most cases, this capsule remains soft and flexible.
But in some cases, the scar tissue becomes too thick or tight, squeezing the implant. This is known as capsular contracture, and it can cause the breast to look misshapen, feel unusually firm, or even become painful.
While it can affect either saline or silicone implants, the exact cause isn’t always clear. Factors like inflammation, low-grade infection, bleeding around the implant, or the body’s immune response may contribute to its development.
When Does Breast Augmentation Capsular Contracture Start?
One of the most important things to understand is when it can happen. Breast Augmentation Capsular contracture can start to develop as early as 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, typically during the inflammation and early healing phase. This is why monitoring changes in your breasts during recovery is crucial.
While it can sometimes happen months or even years after surgery, many early cases develop shortly after the procedure. This is why it is vital to stay in close communication with your surgeon during the initial recovery period.
Capsular Contracture Symptoms: What to Watch For
Knowing the capsular contracture symptoms can help you take action early, before the condition progresses. Here are the most common signs:
- A tightening or hardening feeling in the breast
- Changes in breast shape — the implant may look rounder, higher, or distorted
- A breast that feels firmer than normal or painful to the touch
- Asymmetry, especially if only one breast is affected
- A noticeable change in the position of the implant
If you notice any of these early signs of capsular contracture, reach out to your surgeon right away. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference in managing the issue effectively and possibly avoiding surgery.
Can Capsular Contracture Be Treated?
Yes! However, the approach depends on how advanced the contracture is. Mild cases may improve with non-surgical treatments, including:
- Gentle massage techniques that can help soften the capsule
- Anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics if infection or inflammation is suspected
- Ultrasound therapy in some cases to help soften scar tissue
For more severe or persistent cases, surgery may be needed. This might involve:
- Capsulectomy, removing the hardened scar tissue
- Removing the breast implant and placing a new one
- Adjusting the implant pocket or position to help prevent recurrence
At Sunset Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Yamini approaches each case with a patient-centered plan, aiming to restore both comfort and aesthetics with as little disruption as possible.
Reducing the Risk: Why Surgeon Experience Matters
The best treatment is prevention, and choosing an experienced, detail-focused surgeon can significantly lower your risk of developing breast augmentation capsular contracture.
Dr. Daniel Yamini uses advanced surgical techniques to minimize trauma, reduce bleeding, and create a sterile environment during surgery, all critical factors in preventing contracture. His thoughtful placement of implants, meticulous pocket creation, and emphasis on aftercare education have helped countless patients experience smooth recoveries and long-term success.
Why Choose Dr. Daniel Yamini
When it comes to breast enhancement, experience matters, but so does insight. Dr. Daniel Yamini is not only a highly skilled and compassionate plastic surgeon with decades of surgical experience. He is also part of a very select group of twenty-four plastic surgeons nationwide who serve on the advisory board of the largest breast implant manufacturers. This elite role keeps him at the forefront of the latest implant technologies, materials, and surgical techniques. Giving his Sunset Cosmetic Surgery patients access to innovations most surgeons haven’t even seen yet.
His hands-on knowledge, combined with a meticulous, individualized approach, ensures each patient receives the highest level of care, both aesthetically and medically. Contact our Los Angeles office to learn more about how we can help you find relief from capsular contracture.
