How Can I Tell If One of My Breast Implants Is Encapsulated?

How Can I Tell If One of My Breast Implants Are Encapsulated? | HoustonThe most popular procedure for women seeking to enlarge or reshape their breasts is breast augmentation with use of artificial implants. Complications are possible but rare, with capsular contracture being the most severe case. Even with the most skilled surgeon, capsular contracture following breast augmentation is still a risk. Board certified plastics surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide removal or replacement of encapsulated breast implants to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.

Signs of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture can occur with either silicone or saline implants, with silicone implants being more common for contracture. When implants are placed, the body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant in response to a foreign object. Scar tissue is usually soft, however, it can sometimes harden and tighten around the implant, forming a capsular contracture. This complication can occur anytime following surgery and may take several months to become apparent to the patient. Symptoms that your implant may be encapsulated include hardening and tightening of the breasts, pain, deformation of the shape, and the breasts riding higher than normal.

Types of Capsular Contracture

To determine whether you have a capsular contracture, and if so, what type of contracture you have, you will need to undergo a physical exam. Contracture is broken down into four types based on the Baker Classification of Capsular Contracture.

Grade I: Capsule is indetectable, the breasts look and feel natural. No treatment is required.

Grade II: Slight firmness in the breasts, but still a natural appearance. Massage and prescription medications may be recommended by your surgeon.

Grade III: The breasts are firm and look deformed. The capsulation needs to be surgically treated.

Grade IV: The breasts are severely deformed, are firm, and are causing pain. The capsulation needs to be surgically treated.

Your Surgeon Matters

Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation increases your chances for safe, reliable results. Board certified plastics surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide removal or replacement of encapsulated breast implants to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.

Contact The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas for More Information

For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.

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Serving Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Friendswood, Pearland, League City, Richmond, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Stafford, Cypress, Fulshear, Missouri City, River Oaks, Piney Point, Hunters Creek, Memorial Close In, Bunker Hill, Southside Place, Afton Oaks, Tanglewood, Crestwoods and all other surrounding Greater Houston, Texas communities and more.