How Do I Know if One of My Breast Implants is Encapsulated?

Breast augmentation with artificial implants is the most popular procedure that women seek to enlarge and reshape their breasts. Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of the breast implants into the chest, either under or over the chest muscles. Complications from this surgery are rare but possible, with capsular contracture being one of the more severe cases. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides removal and replacement of breast implants to patients with capsular contracture in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Signs of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture can occur with either silicone or saline breast implants, however is more common with silicone. A capsule of scar tissue is naturally formed by the body around the breast implant in response to having a foreign object introduced into the body. Scar tissue typically remains soft and flexible, but some capsules can become firm and tighten around the implant, resulting in capsular contracture. This may occur at any point following surgery, and patients may take months or years to notice symptoms. Signs that your breast implant may be encapsulated include:

• Breasts riding higher than they initially were
• Hardening and tightening of the breasts
• Pain in the breasts
• Deformation of the breasts

Types of Capsular Contracture

A physical exam is required to determine the type of capsular contracture a patient may have. Contracture is categorized into four grades based on the Baker Classification of Capsular Contracture.

Grade I: Capsulation around the implant is indetectable, the breasts appear and feel natural and no treatment is required.

Grade II: The breasts are slightly firm but still appear natural. Treatment may include massage and prescription medications.

Grade III: The breasts are deformed and are firm. Surgical intervention is necessary to treat the capsulation.

Grade IV: The breasts are severely deformed, firm, and causing pain. Surgical intervention is necessary to treat the capsulation.

Your Surgeon Matters

While there is always a possibility of complications following breast augmentation, you can increase your likelihood of reliable results by choosing a qualified, plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. If you are concerned about a possible capsulation, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides removal and replacement of breast implants to patients with capsular contracture in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

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