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Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is an abnormal response of the immune system to foreign biomaterials and alloplastic materials. It is most discussed in the context of complications from breast implants and artificial joint prosthetics.

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Capsules of tightly-woven collagen fibers normally form as an immune response around a foreign body (eg. breast implants, pacemakers, orthopedic joint prosthetics), tending to wall it off. Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule tightens and squeezes the implant. This contracture is a complication that can be very painful and distort the appearance of the implanted breast or limit the range of motion of an artificial joint. The exact cause of contracture is not known. However, some factors include bacterial contamination, silicone breast implant rupture or leakage, and hematoma. Capsular contracture may happen again after additional surgery.

Methods which have reduced capsular contracture include submuscular breast implant placement, using textured^[1]^[2] or polyurethane-coated implants,^[3] limiting handling of the implants and skin contact prior to insertion^[4] and irrigation with triple-antibiotic solutions.^[5]

Correction of capsular contracture may require surgical removal or release of the capsule, or removal and possible replacement of the implant itself. Closed capsulotomy (disrupting the capsule via external manipulation), a once common maneuver for treating hard capsules, has been discouraged as it can cause implant rupture. Nonsurgical methods of treating capsules include massage, external ultrasound,^[6] treatment with leukotriene pathway inhibitors (Accolate, Singulair),^[7] ^[8]and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.^[9]

There are four grades of breast capsular contracture - Baker grades I through IV. The Baker grading is as follows:

Grade I the breast is normally soft and looks natural
Grade II the breast is a little firm but looks normal
Grade III the breast is firm and looks abnormal
Grade IV the breast is hard, painful, and looks abnormal.

Sources

Section on Complications from the FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook - 2004. Most of the above text was copied verbatim from this public domain source.
Safety of Silicone Breast Implants. Institute of Medicine National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2000.
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Information Website - ImplantInfo by Nicole

References

^ Barnsley GP (2006). "Textured surface breast implants in the prevention of capsular contracture among breast augmentation patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.". Plast Reconstr Surg. 117 (7): 2182-90. PMID 16772915.
^ Wong CH, Samuel M, Tan BK, Song C. (2006). "Capsular contracture in subglandular breast augmentation with textured versus smooth breast implants: a systematic review". Plast Reconstr Surg. 118 (5): 1224-36. PMID 17016195.
^ Handel N, et al (may 2006). "Long-term safety and efficacy of polyurethane foam-covered breast implants.". Aesth. Surg Journal 26 (3): 265-74.
^ Mladick RA (1993). ""No-touch" submuscular saline breast augmentation technique.". Aesth. Surg Journal 17 (3): 183-92. PMID 8213311.
^ Adams WP jr., et al (2006). "Enhancing patient outcomes in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery using triple antibiotic breast irrigation: six-year prospective clinical study.". Plast Reconstr Surg. 117 (1): 30-36. PMID 16404244.
^ Planas J (2001). "Five-year experience on ultrasonic treatment of breast contractures.". Aesthetic Plast Surg. 25 (2): 89-93. PMID 11349308.
^ Schlesinger SL, wt al (2002). "Zafirlukast (Accolate): A new treatment for capsular contracture.". Aesthetic Plast Surg. 22 (4): 329-336.
^ Scuderi N, et al. (2006). "The effects of zafirlukast on capsular contracture: preliminary report.". Aesthetic Plast Surg. 30 (5): 513-20. PMID 16977359.
^ Silver H (1982). "Reduction of capsular contracture with two-stage augmentation mammaplasty and pulsed electromagnetic energy (Diapulse therapy).". Plast Reconstr Surg. 69 (5): 802-8. PMID 7071225.

Capsular contracture photos at www.implantinfo.com

Photos of a removed breast implant with capsule at www.implantinfo.com

Capsular contracture photos

Categories: Plastic surgery | Breast | Implants

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Capsular_contracture". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.