The past few weeks and I have been dealing with some complications. I’ve had this complication for a good year but it’s gotten much worse now. After many Dr visits we finally did an ultrasound and confirmed I have capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is a breast augmentation complication that develops when internal scar tissue forms a tight or constricting capsule around a breast implant, contracting it until it becomes misshapen and hard. As a result, the breast may feel painful and stiff, and the capsule may affect the appearance or shape of the breast. Capsules actually form around every breast implant, silicone or saline. Scar tissue is the body's natural response to the placement of any foreign object. It is only when that scar tissue tightens or contracts and restricts the movement of the implant that the breast may develop capsular contracture.
Symptoms of capsular contracture often begin within months of the original breast augmentation surgery, but capsular contracture can occur at any time. About 75 percent of capsules occur within the first two years following surgery.
Predicting who will develop capsular contracture and when it will happen is nearly impossible. It occurs in about 5 percent of women who undergo breast augmentation with implants. Of course I would be among the 5%. In my case, the cause of this is because of the intense radiation therapy I had received in 2015 with most likely a low-grade infection and with time it’s getting worse. We had hoped the scar tissue would release a bit after the radiation and I was doing massaging techniques but unfortunately it got worse instead of better. My last surgery having my manubrium removed could have contributed to this issue causing it to become worse because my plastic surgeon had moved my pectoral muscles which aggravated it more.
There are 4 grades to capsular contracture, 4 being the worst, and I would be labeled as grade 4.
The best treatment for capsular contracture is to go back to the operating room and have my plastic surgeon release the scar tissue surgically and replace my implant. Unfortunately there is no promise this can’t happen again though. I also worry about the risk of infection and my body rejecting the implant so I will definitely need to have more discussions with my plastic surgeon before I decide to definitely do this surgery. If I do decide to do it, it wouldn’t be until next year. More to come about this.
Thank you for all of your prayers and positive energy.