Introduction

Breast implant capsular contracture is a common complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. It happens when the scar tissue (capsule) around the breast implant thickens and tightens, causing the breast to become hard, misshapen, and sometimes painful. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and doctors who specialize in the repair of breast implant capsular contracture. In this article, we will carefully select five institutions that offer high - quality treatment for this condition.

Understanding Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

What is Capsular Contracture?

When breast implants are inserted, the body's natural response is to form a protective capsule of scar tissue around the implant. In some cases, this capsule thickens and tightens beyond the normal level, resulting in capsular contracture. As per a study, the body's inflammatory response during the healing process, often exacerbated by factors like bacterial contamination or excessive bleeding around the implant, can trigger this abnormal reaction.

Symptoms of Capsular Contracture

• Hardening of the breast: The breast feels significantly firmer than usual.
• Breast pain: Discomfort can range from mild to severe.
• Tightness and firmness: The breast may feel restricted.
• Abnormal shape: Such as a round or ball - shaped appearance, or a misshapen breast.
• Elevation of the breasts: The breasts may appear higher on the chest wall.

Grades of Capsular Contracture

Factors Causing Capsular Contracture

Bacterial Infection

A thin layer of bacteria, known as biofilm, can form inside the breast pocket during the initial breast implant procedure. This bacteria can cause an infection, leading to capsular contracture. Doctors take great care to minimize handling of the implants before insertion to avoid such contamination.

Hematoma and Seroma

Blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) accumulation in the breast pocket provides nutrients for bacteria. Drains are sometimes used to prevent this accumulation and reduce the risk of capsular contracture.

Incomplete Breast Cancer Treatment

When breast implants are inserted after breast cancer treatment, especially if radiation therapy has been involved, the risk of capsular contracture may increase.

Genetic Predisposition

Women with a family history of autoimmune diseases or a tendency to form thick scar tissue may be more prone to developing capsular contracture.

Random Chance

Sometimes, capsular contracture occurs without an easily identifiable cause, seemingly by random chance.

Five Carefully Selected Hospitals in New York City for Capsular Contracture Repair

New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

This renowned medical center has a team of highly skilled doctors with extensive experience in treating breast implant capsular contracture. For example, Dr. Clare Hochreiter, MD, with a 5.00 - star rating, and Dr. Jonathan Villena - Vargas, MD, who are both on staff here, offer advanced treatment options. They can provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans based on the patient's condition. The hospital is equipped with state - of - the - art facilities and uses the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Antell Plastic Surgery

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the most renowned board - certified plastic surgeons in the world. Trained at Stanford and Cornell University, he is known for his exceptional surgical skills and use of advanced techniques. When it comes to capsular contracture treatment, Dr. Antell uses a "no - touch technique" which helps reduce the risk of contamination during surgery. His facility, just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital, is a fully accredited outpatient surgery center. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts to create a customized surgical plan. He also offers detailed discussions about the procedure, risks, and recovery process.

Mount Sinai Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are experts in breast implant revision. They can correct various problems with breast implants, including capsular contracture. They match and repair the body's tissue with the breast implants to achieve a natural and beautiful appearance. Before starting any treatment, they consult with the patient to discuss options, and may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area around the breast implant. Fat transfer from other parts of the body may also be suggested to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts.

Vantage Plastic Surgery

Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg, a highly skilled double board - certified plastic surgeon at Vantage Plastic Surgery, offers advanced treatment for capsular contracture after breast implant procedures. The clinics in Manhattan and Brooklyn provide comprehensive treatment options. For mild cases of capsular contracture, non - surgical treatments may be considered, but in severe cases, surgery is often the most effective option. Their approach focuses on using advanced surgical techniques to reduce the likelihood of capsular contracture recurrence in patients opting for implant replacement after a total capsulotomy.

Cosmoplastic Surgery

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, a fellowship - trained, double Ivy - league alumnus with over 23 years of experience, is the founder and medical director of Cosmoplastic Surgery. He specializes in breast procedures and is known as a precision artist with the female figure. When treating capsular contracture, Dr. Alizadeh starts with a thorough exam and diagnosis. Depending on the patient's unique situation, the treatment may involve removing a portion of the capsule tissue if the contracture is caught early, or performing a capsulectomy (removing both the capsule tissue and the implant) for more advanced cases. His state - of - the - art and fully certified facility adheres to strict standards for patient safety and comfort.

Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture

Non - Surgical Treatments

For mild cases of capsular contracture, non - surgical options may include breast massage and certain oral medications. However, the success rate of these methods varies, and they are usually more effective in the early stages of the condition.

Surgical Treatments

Removal of a Portion of Scar Tissue

This is often done when the capsular contracture is mild and caught early. Removing a portion of the scar tissue creates more space in the breast pocket and can help correct the early stages of capsular contracture.

Secondary Breast Augmentation with a Capsulectomy

In more advanced cases, a capsulectomy is performed to remove the entire breast implant and the surrounding capsule. New implants can be inserted based on the patient's aesthetic desires. In some cases, an en bloc removal may be recommended, which involves removing the implant and the surrounding capsule as a single unit.

Preparing for Capsular Contracture Repair Surgery

Consultation

During the initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your general health, medical history, and the current condition of your breasts. You should bring any information about your existing implants and previous breast augmentation surgery. Be open and honest about your desired outcome, and don't hesitate to ask any questions about the surgery, recovery, and expected results.

Medical Tests

Based on factors such as your age and implant condition, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI before the procedure.

Pre - operative Instructions

You will be given guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may also need to obtain pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is often done under "twilight" sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the first few days of recovery.

Recovery Process after Capsular Contracture Repair

Immediate Post - operative

After surgery, you will recover in a dedicated recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. A specialized local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Most breast implant revision surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you can return home the same day. However, you won't be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.

First Few Weeks

Your breasts may be covered with gauze and a bandage. You may feel tired and sore, but many patients can return to most daily activities within a few days. Refrain from vigorous exercise for about two weeks. It's normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, and some fluid drainage from the incision site, for which a small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin.

Long - term Recovery

External sutures, if used, are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months for the final results to be visible. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks before starting to fade.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor

Doctor's Experience and Reputation

Look for doctors with extensive experience in treating capsular contracture. Check their ratings and reviews from past patients. For example, on Healthgrades, you can find doctors in New York City who treat capsular contracture of breast implants with high ratings and a significant number of past patient reviews, indicating their level of expertise and patient satisfaction.

Hospital Facilities

Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is well - equipped with modern technology and has proper accreditation. This is crucial for the safety and success of the procedure.

Personalized Treatment Approach

A good doctor will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. They should take the time to understand your concerns and answer all your questions during the consultation process.

Conclusion

Breast implant capsular contracture can be a distressing complication, but in New York City, there are top - tier hospitals and doctors who can provide effective repair treatments. From understanding the causes and symptoms of capsular contracture to exploring treatment options and the recovery process, patients have access to comprehensive care. By carefully selecting a hospital and doctor based on experience, reputation, and personalized approach, patients can achieve the best possible results. Whether it's a non - surgical treatment for mild cases or a surgical intervention for more severe ones, the key is to address the condition promptly.

If you are experiencing symptoms of breast implant capsular contracture, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to one of the five hospitals we've discussed in this article to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring the natural appearance and comfort of your breasts.