Capsular contracture is a breast implant complication that occurs when the natural scar tissue that forms around your breast implant grows too thick and squeezes your implant. This can affect the appearance of your breasts, make them feel hard, and may also cause discomfort and pain. There’s no known way to prevent capsular contracture, but there are effective treatments.

Treatments for capsular contracture

Surgery is the standard and most effective treatment for capsular contracture. Your surgeon will either cut open the capsule to relieve the pressure on your implant (capsulotomy), or remove the capsule entirely (capsulectomy). A new capsule will form after surgery, but there is no way to tell if it will cause capsular contracture again.

Your surgeon may reuse your existing implants or replace them depending on their age and condition. If you choose to have your implants removed entirely, then you may need a more involved surgery to restore the appearance of your natural breasts.

Asthma medications such as Accolate or Singulair can have mild to moderate benefits in softening your breasts and preventing reoccurrence of capsular contracture. These drugs have anti-inflammatory properties that can soften the natural scar tissue that forms around your implants.
  
A closed capsulotomy is a non-surgical treatment that involves your surgeon squeezing your implants very hard to break open the capsule. This procedure is outdated as it is not always effective, and can damage and void the warranty on your implants.

Recovery

Recovery after capsular contracture surgery is similar to your original breast augmentation surgery, but usually milder. You will have pain, swelling, bruising, and soreness, and you’ll have to avoid strenuous activity while you heal. Most women can return to work after one to two weeks.

Costs

The costs of treating capsular contracture depend on many factors, including your location, surgeon, and health insurance coverage. Additional fees or procedures can impact costs as well. Your surgeon and health insurance provider can help with exact cost information.