How to Reduce the Risk of Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a serious complication that can result from breast enlargement surgery. At times, the body will create a tissue capsule around a foreign body, which would be your implants. As a result, scar tissue will begin to encapsulate the implant, creating a hardened mass that can deform your breast. According to the American Breast Enlargement Association, capsular contracture occurs in up to 20 percent of breast implant patients. There are methods you can enact to ensure that your breasts won't develop capsular contracture.
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Instructions
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Prevention Methods
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Take antibiotics to reduce your chances of developing an infection, which can be a contributing factor to the development of the capsular contracture. It's important to finish your antibiotic treatment.
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Ask your surgeon to sterilize any equipment that will be used during your procedure immediately before your scheduled surgery. According to Dr. Jean Loftus, a plastic surgeon, instruments that have been sterilized weeks in advance of your surgery may have since become contaminated.
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Request that your surgeon place vancomycin (an antibiotic) on your incision wounds prior to your implants being placed within your breasts. Your implant pockets should also be thoroughly rinsed with the antibiotic solution as well.
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Consider having your implants placed above your chest muscle instead of under the chest muscle. Getting your implants above your chest muscle can reduce your chances of developing capsular contracture.
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Massage your breasts once you've had your implants placed. Keeping your tissues soft around the implant can help keep your capsular tissues from forming scar tissue around your implants.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want implants, you may consider choosing saline over silicone. There is a reduced chance of developing capsular contracture with saline implants.
Massage your breasts for up to a year after receiving breast implants to prevent your capsular tissues from hardening around your breasts.
Don't smoke. Smoking decreases oxygen throughout your body, which can slow down your body's capabilities of helping you heal.
Don't let other members who will be in the operating room handle your implants, such as technicians. Only your surgeon should be handling your implants.
