Capsular Contracture Non Surgical Treatment

Capsular contracutre is a common occurrence with breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery. Internal scar tissue develops around the implant and can cause discomfort through constriction and hardening. Capsular contracture occurs to different degrees and milder cases may be treated with non-surgical procedures.

Quadrant Massage

• Quadrant massage involves manually manipulating the implant into the corners of the surgical pocket to prevent buildup of scar tissue. Not all implant cases can accommodate massage.

External Ultrasound

• An external ultrasound can assist in keeping implant capsules loose and reduce the hardening of scar tissue buildup. Ultrasound aids in increasing circulation to the area which encourages the surrounding tissue to stay soft.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• Initial results show the anti-inflammatory drug zafirlukast can assist in reducing early capsular contracture with smooth-walled, saline-filled implants, according to a study done by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

Vasodilators

• Some physicians consider the use of papavarine, a vasodilator, to reduce the risk of capsular contracture by increasing blood flow to the surrounding tissue, according to the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Reisenberg in Germany. Papavarine may be injected locally or ingested orally.

Considerations

• Treatment options are dependent on the level of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can manifest early after surgery or even years after a procedure. The surgical procedure, implant material and implant shape may all affect risks and treatments for capsular contracture.