How to Prevent Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Capsular contracture is an unfortunate complication associated with breast augmentation surgery; it occurs in about 5 percent of cases. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, capsular contracture is the second most common reason why women undergo breast implant revision surgery (women seeking a change in breast size is the top reason why they undergo revision surgery).

Capsular contracture refers to the immune system’s response to a foreign object in the body. Capsules of collagen fibers encase the breast implant then begin to tighten, which can cause the breast to become hard and misshaped.

While there is no way to tell if capsular contracture will develop, there are steps you can take to prevent complications after breast augmentation.

1. Have Your Implants Placed beneath the Chest Muscle

Studies have indicated that women who have breast implants placed beneath the chest muscle (the submuscular approach) are less likely to develop capsular contracture than women who have implants placed above the chest muscle (the subglandular approach).

2. Breast Massage

Massaging the breasts several times a day for three weeks after the operation and then once a day thereafter may reduce your chances of developing capsular contracture.

3. Don’t Smoke

Smoking cigarettes decreases the oxygen levels in the blood and may delay healing while increasing your chances of developing complications after breast augmentation surgery.