Capsular Contracture Treatment

Capsular contracture is one of the most frequent complications of breast implants.

Although breast implants are intended to be safe and durable, certain patients encounter issues that impact the aesthetic and tactile quality of their breasts, sometimes resulting in physical discomfort. While it is a normal physiological response for the body to develop a thin, fibrous capsule to stabilize an implant or any foreign body, capsular contracture occurs when this protective tissue grows excessively thick or restrictive. ⁽¹⁾ This tightening can lead to a distorted breast shape, firmness, or ongoing discomfort. Because the condition may arise months or even years after the primary surgery, it frequently leads to substantial frustration for patients concerning the longevity of their surgical results.

At Zannis Plastic Surgery in New Bern, Dr. John Zannis has performed over 10,000 surgeries and strives to deliver life-changing results. Patients can depend on Dr. Zannis for his commitment to safety, surgical artistry, and personalized care. Specializing in a range of transformative techniques, Dr. Zannis has worked with countless patients to help resolve capsular contracture and restore their confidence.

To learn more about capsular contracture treatment options and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Zannis, call (252) 633-1197.

About Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the body’s natural immune response to a foreign object, such as a breast implant, becomes overactive. While it is standard and healthy for the body to create a flexible, fibrous capsule to secure the implant in place, capsular contracture happens when this tissue tightens and thickens excessively. ⁽²⁾ This pathophysiology involves the contraction of myofibroblasts within the capsule, which exert pressure on the implant.

Medical professionals categorize the severity of this condition using standardized descriptions that align with the Baker Grading Scale: mild cases may involve slight, barely perceptible firmness, while advanced stages result in a breast that is stiff to the touch, visibly distorted, or asymmetrical. ⁽³⁾ Researchers have identified several factors that influence the development of capsular contracture, including bacterial exposure (biofilm), hematomas, seromas, breast trauma, or implant rupture.

To address capsular contracture, Dr. Zannis uses surgical techniques that release the tension and restore a natural contour. The primary methods include a capsulotomy, during which Dr. Zannis scores or releases the scar tissue to expand the pocket, or a capsulectomy, where he removes the hardened tissue entirely. ⁽¹⁾ Often, to ensure the best long-term outcome, Dr. Zannis replaces the original implants with new devices or relocates them to a different plane, such as moving from a subglandular to a submuscular position.

Benefits

Treating capsular contracture with surgical intervention offers many physical and emotional benefits, including:

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for capsular contracture treatment if you experience hardening or discomfort in one or both breasts following a previous augmentation. Candidates typically notice that their breasts have become misshapen, asymmetrical, or unnaturally firm. Suitable patients are in good general health, are non-smokers (or willing to quit for an extended period of time), and have realistic expectations about surgical results. Dr. Zannis will evaluate your surgical history and current breast status to ensure this corrective procedure is the safest and most effective path forward to help you reach your goals.

Personal Consultation

Your treatment journey at Zannis Plastic Surgery begins with a comprehensive physical exam and a detailed review of your medical history. During this meeting, Dr. Zannis will assess the degree of contracture and discuss the most effective surgical pathway, whether that involves an implant exchange, a partial release (capsulotomy), or a full tissue removal (capsulectomy). This is an opportunity to ask questions about implant types and placement for minimizing the risk of recurrence. Together, you will determine your path forward, and Dr. Zannis will create your customized treatment plan.

To start exploring your capsular contracture treatment options and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Zannis, call our New Bern office at (252) 633-1197.

Preparation

To ensure a smooth surgical experience and optimal healing, Dr. Zannis provides detailed preoperative instructions. Key steps include:

Procedure

Dr. Zannis performs your surgery under anesthesia to ensure your comfort. He typically uses the previous surgical scar or places an incision within the inframammary fold to minimize new scarring. Through this entry point, he carefully dissects and removes or releases the restrictive capsule. If you receive new implants, Dr. Zannis removes the old device and places the new implant, often in a submuscular or subfascial pocket to reduce the likelihood of future contracture. Dr. Zannis meticulously closes the incisions with layered sutures to encourage aesthetic healing.

Recovery

Most individuals resume office work within one to two weeks, though you must avoid vigorous exertion for four to six weeks to protect tissue stability. Common post-operative effects, such as swelling and bruising, are manageable with prescribed medication and the diligent wearing of a surgical bra or compression garment.

To facilitate an optimal outcome, Dr. Zannis provides comprehensive post-surgical instructions and is available to address any concerns throughout your journey. Maintaining scheduled evaluations is essential, as these visits enable our medical team to monitor your progress, confirm healthy recovery, and minimize risk of future issues.

Results

Patients often feel immediate relief from tightness following surgery. While initial swelling and bruising are normal, the breasts will continue to soften and settle into their natural position over the course of several months. The final results typically feature improved symmetry, a more pleasing contour, and a significant boost in physical comfort and self-confidence.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Zannis often performs capsular contracture treatment in conjunction with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Breast Lift

A breast lift removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissue to reshape and support the breasts. Dr. Zannis can perform this alongside capsular contracture treatment to address skin laxity or sagging that may have resulted from previous implant issues or natural aging.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue to achieve a smaller, lighter, and more proportional breast size. This addition can be beneficial for patients experiencing discomfort due to the weight of their breasts or size of current implants.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal (explant surgery) involves the careful extraction of the breast implants. Patients may choose this procedure as part of their capsular contracture treatment plan, to alleviate persistent discomfort, or simply because they no longer desire to have implants.

Cost of Capsular Contracture Treatment in New Bern

The cost of treatment is personalized based on the complexity of the capsule removal and whether new implants are placed. During the consultation, Dr. Zannis provides a transparent price outline that accurately reflects the details of your treatment plan. Zannis Plastic Surgery also offers various financing options to help qualified patients access the care they need.

To start exploring capsular contracture treatment and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Zannis, please give us a call at (252) 633-1197.

FAQ

References

1. Pietro Susini, Nisi G, Diletta Maria Pierazzi, et al. Advances on Capsular Contracture—Prevention and Management Strategies: A Narrative Review of the Literature. 2023;11(6):e5034-e5034. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005034
2. Ghosh B, Alsalt AL-Busaidi, Sinha M, et al. Unveiling the Enigma: Exploring Capsular Contracture – Unraveling its Link with Autoimmune Disorders and Comprehensive Examination of Predisposing Factors. JPRAS open. Published online February 1, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2024.01.015
3. Haas E, Christodoulou N, Secanho M, et al. Capsular Contracture After Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2025;7. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaf003