Capsular fibrosis – capsular fibrosis of the breast
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Common: capsular fibrosis with breast implants
One of the most common side effects following a
breast augmentation
with implants
is
capsular fibrosis
. Capsular fibrosis is also referred to as capsular contracture. It involves a hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast implant. Capsular fibrosis of the breast develops as a result of a natural immune response. Capsular fibrosis typically develops within the first 6 months following breast surgery. However, it can also occur
2–3 years, or even 10–15 years, after a
breast augmentation.
Every breast implant, regardless of its quality, is a foreign body to which the body responds by forming a capsule. The layer of connective tissue that forms around the breast implant is a normal immune response of the body. The tissue is delicate and elastic and causes no problems. In some patients, however, this natural immune response is more pronounced. A firm, thick capsule forms and contracts around the breast implant, resulting in hardening and deformation of the silicone implant. The symptoms of
capsular fibrosis manifest primarily as pain and a feeling of tightness in the breast.
In addition, significant distortion of the breast frequently occurs.
Furthermore, in many cases
considerable distortion of the breast develops.
This hardening and distortion of the capsule can give rise to symptoms that must be treated with further breast surgery.
Can capsular fibrosis be prevented? Common: capsular fibrosis with breast implants
One of the most common side effects following a
breast augmentation
with implants is capsular fibrosis. Capsular fibrosis is also referred to as capsular contracture. It involves a hardening of the tissue surrounding the breast implant. Capsular fibrosis of the breast develops as a result of the body's natural immune response to a foreign body, such as a breast implant. This leads to the formation of a shell of connective tissue – a so-called capsule – around the implant, which separates it from the surrounding body tissue.
Under normal circumstances, this connective tissue capsule remains soft and cannot be felt from the outside. In certain cases, however, the immune system may produce an excessive amount of connective tissue. A firm connective tissue capsule forms around the implant, which hardens and becomes distorted. This capsular contracture causes pain and visibly deforms the breast.
Symptoms of capsular fibrosis – how do I recognise capsular fibrosis?
Following a
breast augmentation
with implants, capsular fibrosis can typically develop within the first few months after the
breast augmentation
(mammary augmentation), or as late as approximately 10–15 years after the breast surgery. Typical symptoms of capsular fibrosis include:
Pain and a feeling of tightness in the breast
Hardening of the breast
Distortion of the breast (an unnatural and conspicuous implant shape)
Change in the position of the implant (e.g. upward migration)
Restricted freedom of movement in the upper body
Reduced décolletage
Stages of capsular fibrosis according to Baker
The stages of capsular fibrosis were established by the American plastic surgeon James L. Baker Jr. (Florida). Capsular fibrosis can therefore be classified according to Baker grades 1 and 2, 3, or 4. Depending on the severity of the capsular fibrosis, different stages are defined:
Baker 1 / Grade I:
The breast is just as soft as an operated breast without an implant. No further abnormalities.
Baker 2 / Grade II:
The implant is palpable, but the breast still feels soft. Some minor areas of hardness can be felt. The breast looks normal.
Baker 3 / Grade III:
The implant is clearly palpable. The breast remains hardened. Distortions of the breast are visible.
Baker 4 / Grade IV:
The implant is very clearly palpable and the breast feels hard. Significant distortions are visible, accompanied by pain.
Implant replacement following capsular fibrosis
Dr. Schuhmann
offers, in addition to
breast augmentation,
implant replacement following capsular fibrosis, as well as replacement of older breast implants. The aim of implant replacement is to exchange the existing silicone implant for a new breast implant. The reasons for implant replacement are varied. They most commonly relate to the natural ageing process of the implants, capsular fibrosis, or a change in the patient's aesthetic expectations of the implant.
In the course of an implant replacement, the old implant is first removed. This is followed, where necessary, by a capsulectomy (removal of the connective tissue capsule). Finally, a new implant is inserted.
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Frequently asked questions about capsular fibrosis and implant replacement
Can capsular fibrosis be prevented?
Unfortunately, capsular fibrosis cannot be prevented. In capsular fibrosis, a firm, thick capsule forms and contracts around the breast implant. This is a natural immune response of the body. This immune reaction to the breast implant can be pronounced and lead to capsular fibrosis. However, it cannot be prevented.
Can capsular fibrosis resolve on its own?
Can capsular fibrosis resolve without treatment? Once the tissue around the breast implant has thickened and hardened, it does not revert to its original state. Capsular fibrosis may stabilise at a given Baker stage, but it cannot resolve on its own.
Is capsular fibrosis dangerous?
Capsular fibrosis is a non-dangerous immune response of the body. The signs of capsular fibrosis are pain and a feeling of tightness in the breast, as well as distortion of the breast.
Is capsular fibrosis visible on ultrasound?
Capsular fibrosis can be diagnosed by an experienced physician through palpation of the breast and on the basis of the patient's symptoms. Capsular fibrosis can also be made visible using an ultrasound examination.
When does capsular fibrosis occur?
Capsular fibrosis typically develops within a timeframe of 6 months following breast surgery. Signs of capsular fibrosis can, however, also frequently appear within the first year after a breast operation. Further symptoms of capsular fibrosis may emerge in the 2nd to 3rd year after surgery. Capsular fibrosis occurring after 10 years or later is also possible.
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Contact
Düsseldorf
Private Practice for Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery & Hand Surgery
Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann
Grabenstr. 17
40213 Düsseldorf
T +49 (0) 211 875 98 360
F +49 (0) 211 875 98 361
E kontakt@dr-schuhmann.de
Frequently asked questions
Can capsular fibrosis be prevented?
Unfortunately, capsular fibrosis cannot be prevented. In capsular fibrosis, a firm, thick capsule forms and contracts around the breast implant. This is a natural immune response of the body.
Can capsular fibrosis resolve on its own?
Once the tissue around the breast implant has thickened and hardened, it does not revert to its original state. Capsular fibrosis may stabilise at a given Baker stage, but it cannot resolve on its own.
Is capsular fibrosis dangerous?
Capsular fibrosis is a non-dangerous immune response of the body. The signs are pain and a feeling of tightness in the breast, as well as distortion of the breast.
Is capsular fibrosis visible on ultrasound?
Capsular fibrosis can be diagnosed by an experienced physician through palpation of the breast and on the basis of the patient's symptoms. Capsular fibrosis can also be made visible using an ultrasound examination.
When does capsular fibrosis occur?
Capsular fibrosis typically develops within a timeframe of 6 months following breast surgery. Signs may also appear within the first year or in the 2nd to 3rd year after surgery. Capsular fibrosis occurring after 10 years is also possible.
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