Breast reconstruction can be a transformative experience that helps individuals recover their sense of normalcy after experiencing mastectomy. Unfortunately, complications like capsular contracture can arise during reconstruction and hinder both its aesthetic and functional results.
In this article we will look at five surgical solutions used to address capsular contracture during breast reconstruction, providing insights into procedures designed to optimize patient outcomes.
What is Capsular Contracture After Breast Reconstruction
Capsular contracture is a risk associated with breast reconstruction that occurs when scar tissue around an implant tightens and contracts, leading to breast distortion and discomfort as well as impacting its overall success. Surgery may be required to address capsular contracture and restore desired results.
Capsulectomy:
Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all of the capsules that encase breast implants, offering a long-term solution to address capsular contracture after breast reconstruction issues at their source.
A surgeon carefully excises these capsules, allowing inspection of the implant and replacement if necessary. With capsulectomy as the keystone solution, its efficacy should not be undercut.
Capsulotomy:
Capsulotomy is a less invasive surgical option than capsulectomy, consisting of making small incisions in the existing capsule to relieve tension and allow more natural implant positioning.
Capsulotomy may be chosen when capsular contracture is milder and softening and improving breast appearance is the goal without complete removal of the capsule.
Implant Exchange:
When breast implants contribute directly to capsular contracture, an implant exchange may be recommended by surgeons. They will generally switch out your current implant for one of a similar size or type that reduces recurrence risk.
An approach that addresses both implant-related issues as well as potential contracture recurrence risk in one step for enhanced long-term outcomes.
Placement of Strattice:
A surgical mesh made from porcine dermis known as “strattice” can be used to reinforce breast pockets post capsulectomy or capsulotomy and provide extra support to implants while helping prevent capsular contracture recurrence. In complex cases or those who experience frequent contractures, strattice placement should be given special consideration.
Fat Grafting:
Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one part of the body to the breast to address irregularities caused by capsular contracture after breast reconstruction. This technique may also be combined with other surgical procedures, such as capsulectomy or capsulotomy, to improve contour and symmetry after reconstruction of breasts.
Fat grafting provides a natural means to correct volume discrepancies while improving aesthetic results.
As noted above, surgical interventions depend on several factors related to capsular contracture severity, overall health, and aesthetic goals of the individual patient. Surgeons will evaluate each case individually to select an effective intervention strategy.
Incorporating Photos of Capsular Contracture
Viewing before-and-after surgical images for breast reconstruction capsular contracture patients can provide invaluable insight. They show the effects of different surgeries, helping individuals make informed decisions regarding their treatments.
Conclusion
Breast reconstruction capsular contracture presents challenges to individuals seeking a sense of normalcy after mastectomy, yet advances in surgical techniques offer effective solutions to combat it.
With interventions such as capsulectomy, capsulotomy, implant exchange, strattice placement, or fat grafting available today, surgeons can cater their interventions specifically to the unique needs of each patient. Individuals should consult with experienced medical professionals, discuss their concerns, and together determine the most suitable surgical approach to reach optimal results.
With these surgical options in mind, patients can look forward to improved comfort, enhanced aesthetics, and an easier breast reconstruction experience.
