Introduction
Breast implant capsular contracture is a common complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. It happens when the scar tissue around the breast implant thickens and tightens, leading to discomfort, pain, and changes in the appearance of the breasts. For patients in New York City, finding a hospital or doctor with a high success rate in treating this condition is crucial. This article aims to provide comprehensive information on hospitals and doctors in New York City that have better results for breast implant capsular contracture.
Understanding Breast Implant Capsular Contracture
What is Capsular Contracture?
When breast implants are inserted, the body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue around them. In most cases, this capsule remains soft and flexible, and the patient has no problems. However, in some instances, the scar tissue can thicken and contract, squeezing the implant and causing various issues. As per Vantage Plastic Surgery, this abnormal reaction is often triggered by inflammation during the healing process, which can be exacerbated by bacterial contamination or excessive bleeding around the implant (Source: vantageplasticsurgery.com).
Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
- Hardening of the breast: The affected breast may feel significantly firmer than before.
- Breast pain: Discomfort can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of contracture.
- Tightness and firmness in the breast: Patients may notice a sense of tightness in the breast tissue.
- Round or ball - shaped appearance: The breast may take on an abnormal, round shape.
- Misshapen breast: The overall shape of the breast can become distorted.
- Elevation of the breasts: The affected breast may sit higher on the chest wall compared to the normal one.
Grades of Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is typically graded from I to IV, according to Dr. Antell's clinic (Source: antell - md.com).
Grade | Description |
---|---|
Grade 1 | The breast or breasts are soft and look natural. |
Grade 2 | The breast or breasts are slightly firm but look normal and natural. |
Grade 3 | The breast or breasts are firm, look abnormal, and feel uncomfortable. |
Grade 4 | The breast or breasts are hard, painful, and look abnormal. Grades III and IV capsular contracture often require surgical treatment. |
Causes of Capsular Contracture
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of capsular contracture, although the exact cause is not always clear.
Bacterial Contamination
A thin layer of bacteria, called biofilm, can form within the breast pocket. This can be introduced during the initial breast implant procedure or from bacteria entering the bloodstream from a distant area, such as during a teeth cleaning, colonoscopy, or an infected toe. Biofilm can cause an infection, leading to capsular contracture, as stated by Dr. Antell's website (Source: antell - md.com).
Hematoma and Seroma
The accumulation of blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) in the breast pocket can provide nutrients for bacteria to grow. This increases the likelihood of biofilm formation and subsequent capsular contracture. Some patients may need to use drains to prevent this accumulation.
Breast Cancer Treatment
For patients who have undergone breast reconstruction with implants after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, radiation treatment can increase the risk of capsular contracture. The radiation can damage the tissue around the implant, leading to a more pronounced scar tissue response.
Genetic Predisposition
Women with a family history of autoimmune disease or scarring concerns may be more prone to developing thick scar tissue. Genetic factors can play a role in how the body responds to the presence of an implant.
Random Chance
Unfortunately, capsular contracture can sometimes occur randomly, without an easily identifiable cause. It is difficult to predict in these cases.
Hospitals and Doctors in New York City with Good Results for Capsular Contracture
New York - Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center
Many highly - rated doctors who treat breast implant capsular contracture are on staff at this prestigious medical center. For example, Dr. Clare Hochreiter, Dr. Jonathan Villena - Vargas, and Dr. Emile Bacha all have their offices at 525 East 68th Street in New York, NY 10065 and are affiliated with this hospital (Source: healthgrades.com).
Doctors associated with New York - Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center are known for their expertise in plastic surgery and breast reconstruction. They use advanced surgical techniques to treat capsular contracture, aiming to provide better aesthetic results and patient comfort.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are well - known for their breast implant revision services. If patients are not satisfied with the results of a breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure, including dealing with capsular contracture, the specialists at Mount Sinai can help. The surgeons perform secondary or breast implant revision surgery by matching and repairing the body’s tissue with the breast implants to achieve a more natural and beautiful appearance. They may recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area around the implant and suggest fat transfer to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts (Source: mountsinai.org).
Vantage Plastic Surgery
Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg at Vantage Plastic Surgery, with clinics in Manhattan and Brooklyn, offers advanced treatment for capsular contracture after breast implant procedures. He is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon who uses state - of - the - art techniques to address this complication. The clinic provides comprehensive treatment options, including surgical intervention when necessary, to help patients resolve capsular contracture issues (Source: vantageplasticsurgery.com).
Dr. Antell's Practice
Dr. Antell in New York City has a high success rate in treating capsular contracture. He uses a “np - touch technique” which may contribute to the lower rate of capsular contracture in his practice compared to the published literature. His treatment methods include removing a portion of scar tissue in mild cases and performing a capsulectomy in more advanced cases, sometimes with the insertion of new implants based on the patient's aesthetic desires. Recovery after his treatment is relatively manageable, and patients can expect to gradually return to normal activities within a few weeks (Source: antell - md.com).
Top Doctors in Different Areas of New York City
Doctors in New York (General)
Healthgrades has identified many doctors in New York who treat breast implant capsular contracture. Some of the top - rated ones include:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 425 W 59th St Lbby 5, New York, NY 10019 |
Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 114a E 78th St, New York, NY 10075 |
Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 51 West 51st Street Suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
Dr. Clare Hochreiter, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street M - 404, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Jonathan Villena - Vargas, MD | 525 East 68th Street M - 404, New York, NY 10065 | |
Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
Doctors in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, there are also many experienced doctors. Some of the notable ones are:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Peter Martin, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 520 East 70th Street Starr Pavilion, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Jia Ruan, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 520 East 70th Street Starr Pavilion, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Adrienne Phillips, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 520 East 70th Street Starr Pavilion, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Doctors in Bronx
Here are some top - rated doctors in the Bronx for treating capsular contracture:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Mark Dobriner, MD | 3.40 out of 5 stars | 3 Vermont Drive, Lake Success, NY 11042 |
Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
Doctors in White Plains
In White Plains, patients can consider the following doctors:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Andrew Ashikari, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 777 N Broadway Ste 301, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 |
Dr. Pond Kelemen, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 128 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 |
Dr. Anthony Cahan, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 3010 Westchester Ave Ste 201, Purchase, NY 10577 |
Doctors in Flushing
Some of the well - rated doctors in Flushing include:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Frank Monteleone, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 173 Mineola Blvd Ste 203, Mineola, NY 11501 |
Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture
Non - Surgical Treatments
For mild cases of capsular contracture, non - surgical treatments may be considered. These can include breast massage, which aims to break up the scar tissue and prevent it from tightening further. There are also oral medications that may help in approximately 15% of the cases, according to Dr. Antell's clinic (Source: antell - md.com). However, the success of non - surgical treatments can vary.
Surgical Treatments
In more severe cases, surgery is often the most effective option. Surgical treatments for capsular contracture typically involve the following:
- Removal of a portion of scar tissue: In milder cases, especially when caught early, it may be possible to remove a part of the scar tissue. This creates more space in the breast pocket and can help correct early capsular contracture.
- Capsulectomy: This is a more comprehensive procedure where the entire breast implant and the surrounding capsule are removed at once. New implants can be inserted during the same surgery based on the patient's aesthetic goals. In some cases, an en bloc removal may be recommended, which involves removing the implant and the capsule as a single unit.
Recovery after Capsular Contracture Treatment
Recovery times can vary depending on the type of treatment. After surgical intervention, patients can expect the following:
- Discomfort and swelling: There will be some discomfort and swelling in the breasts, which can last for several weeks. Doctors usually prescribe pain medication to help manage the discomfort.
- Restrictions on activities: Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2 - 3 weeks. They may need to wear an ace bandage or a special support bra for a period of time.
- Return to normal activities: Most patients can gradually return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, it may take a few months for the breasts to fully heal and settle into their new position.
Conclusion
Breast implant capsular contracture can be a distressing complication for patients. However, in New York City, there are many hospitals and