Breast augmentation surgery, also known as mammaplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure for women who wish to restore the fullness of their breasts--which may have been lost due to nursing or weight loss--or to enlarge the size of their breasts. This procedure involves the insertion of breast implants, which are FDA approved medical devices. This type of surgical procedure involves certain risks, including capsular contracture, which can affect the appearance of the breast and areola.
Consultation
Consult with your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation surgery to ensure you are fully apprised of all risks. Since capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery, you should understand what symptoms to be aware of for early detection.
Self-Examination
Examine your breasts on a regular basis after breast augmentation surgery so you know how your breasts and areolas are supposed to look and feel. Although capsular contraction can occur at any time, it most commonly occurs within the first several months after surgery. Capsular contracture will cause the area around the implant to feel hard. It may appear ball-like and can cause the breast, areola, and nipple to look contracted or distorted. If you discover any sign of capsular contracture you should contact your surgeon for a thorough examination.
Surgery
Discuss treatment with your surgeon. Capsular contracture usually requires surgery to correct the problem. The implants will typically need to be removed before the capsulated tissue can be removed. The patient will need to decide before surgery whether she wishes to have the implants reinserted.
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