1. Understanding Breast Implant Contracture
Breast implant contracture is a well - known complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. When breast implants are inserted, the body's natural response is to form a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. In most cases, this capsule is thin and flexible, causing no problems. However, in some patients, the capsule thickens and tightens, leading to capsular contracture.
Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
The symptoms of capsular contracture can vary in severity. Some of the common symptoms include:
| Symptom |
Description |
| Breast pain or discomfort |
Patients may experience pain, ranging from mild to severe, which can be constant or intermittent. |
| Hardening of breast tissues |
The breasts become firmer than normal, and the texture may feel like a hard mass. |
| Change in breast shape |
The breasts may appear more rounded, distorted, or misshapen. They can also ride higher on the chest wall. |
| Restricted range of motion |
Patients may find it difficult to move their arms or perform certain activities due to the tightness in the breasts. |
Grades of Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is often graded from I to IV using the Baker scale:
- **Grade I**: The breast is soft and has a natural appearance. There are no signs of contracture.
- **Grade II**: The breast is slightly firm, but still has a normal appearance. Some patients may not even notice this grade of contracture.
- **Grade III**: The breast is firm and has an abnormal appearance. There may be some discomfort associated with this grade.
- **Grade IV**: The breast is hard, painful, and has a very abnormal appearance. This is the most severe form of capsular contracture and usually requires surgical intervention.
2. Popular Hospitals for Breast Implant Contracture Treatment in New York City
Blaine Plastic Surgery
Dr. Christine Blaine at Blaine Plastic Surgery in New York offers capsular contracture treatment. While most women who have breast augmentation with implants have no complications, capsular contracture is the most common complication with breast implant augmentations.
- **Services Offered**: Dr. Blaine can perform a thorough examination of patients with signs and symptoms of capsular contracture. She provides both non - surgical and surgical treatment options. For surgical treatments, she can reduce the scar tissue and replace the implant if necessary, depending on the severity of the contracture and the condition of the implant.
- **Location**: The practice has locations in Midtown NYC, Huntington, and Staten Island, New York, which offers convenience to patients from different areas.
Antell MD
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.
- **Services Offered**: For breast implant revision surgery, which can treat capsular contracture, Dr. Antell provides a comprehensive service. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He can guide patients through selecting the proper implant type, incision size, implant placement, and size based on their specific anatomy. In cases of capsular contracture, he may perform procedures such as removing the capsule tissue and implant and, if desired, placing new implants. He also discusses risks, recovery, and expected outcomes in detail with patients.
- **Surgical Facility**: Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Vantage Plastic Surgery
Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg, a highly skilled double board - certified plastic surgeon, offers advanced treatment for capsular contracture after breast implant procedures at Vantage Plastic Surgery, with clinics located in NYC.
- **Services Offered**: For mild cases of capsular contracture, non - surgical treatments may be considered. In severe cases, surgery is often the most effective option. The surgery typically involves the removal of the thickened capsule, and in some instances, partial or complete removal of the implant may be necessary. Utilizing advanced surgical techniques can help reduce the likelihood of capsular contracture recurrence in patients opting for implant replacement after a total capsulotomy.
- **Location**: The clinics in Manhattan and Brooklyn provide comprehensive treatment options for capsular contracture after breast implants, making it accessible to a wide range of patients.
Cosmoplastic Surgery
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh is a fellowship - trained, double Ivy - league alumnus with over 23 years of experience and is the founder and medical director of Cosmoplastic Surgery.
- **Services Offered**: Dr. Alizadeh specializes in breast procedures. When treating capsular contracture, he starts with an exam and diagnosis. The treatment procedure may require different approaches. For early - stage capsular contracture, he may remove a portion of the capsule tissue to create more space in the breast pocket. In more advanced cases, a capsulectomy (removal of the tissue and the implant) may be performed, and new implants can be placed if the patient desires to keep their breasts augmented.
- **Facility**: The capsular contracture treatment in NYC with Dr. Alizadeh is performed at the state - of - the - art and fully certified American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Mount Sinai - New York
The breast implant revision specialists at Mount Sinai are experts in medical care and plastic surgery and have the expertise to correct problem areas related to breast implants, including capsular contracture.
- **Services Offered**: The plastic surgeons perform secondary or breast implant revision surgery by matching and repairing the body's tissue with the breast implants. They correct problems such as incorrectly positioned implants, wrinkled or rippled implants, and capsular contracture. To enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts, they may suggest fat transfer from areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs, and also recommend new materials or meshes to stabilize the area surrounding the breast implant.
- **Specialist Consultation**: Before any procedure, patients first consult with one of the nationally recognized specialists. The specialists discuss options with the patients and create personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer's Practice
Tracy Pfeifer, MD is an aesthetic plastic surgeon in New York City with a medical practice focused on breasts. She performs all types of cosmetic breast surgery, including surgical treatment for capsular contracture.
- **Services Offered**: Dr. Pfeifer offers various treatment options for capsular contracture. The usual treatment for severe capsular contracture is capsulectomy, which is the complete surgical removal of the scar capsule. Another option is capsulotomy, which involves incising the capsule in various areas. Some patients may also be prescribed medication such as zafirlukast (Accolate), and she also provides guidance on massage and the use of compression bandages to reduce the severity of contracture.
- **Recovery Guidance**: After surgical correction for capsular contracture, she provides clear recovery guidance, similar to that of original breast implant surgery. This includes recommendations such as no heavy lifting and avoiding strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after the surgery.
3. Treatment Options for Breast Implant Contracture
Non - Surgical Treatments
- **Medication**: Some studies have shown that zafirlukast (Accolate) may be effective for some patients. It can soften the scar tissue around the implants, soften the breasts over a period of months, and decrease the reoccurrence of the condition in patients undergoing surgery to treat it. However, its effectiveness varies from patient to patient.
- **Massage and Compression**: Massaging the breasts under the doctor's instructions and using a compression bandage or garment may help reduce the severity of capsular contracture. The goal is to prevent the capsule from becoming excessively hard and to prevent the implant from becoming fixed in an upward position.
Surgical Treatments
- **Capsulectomy**: This is the most common surgical treatment for severe capsular contracture. It involves the complete removal of the scar capsule. Once the capsule is removed, a new capsule will form around the implant, ideally without tightening and contracting. Although it may not completely eliminate the possibility of reoccurrence, it has been shown to reduce the risk of future capsular contracture compared to other methods.
- **Capsulotomy**: In this procedure, the capsule is incised in various areas to increase its overall capacity. This allows the implant to move around in the space. However, it has a somewhat lower success rate than capsulectomy.
- **Implant Replacement**: In some cases, the implant may need to be replaced during the surgical treatment of capsular contracture. The surgeon will select a new implant based on the patient's aesthetic desires and body type.
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
It is crucial to choose a hospital with surgeons who have extensive experience in treating breast implant contracture. Surgeons like Dr. Christine Blaine, Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg, Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, and Dr. Tracy Pfeifer have years of experience and are well - known in the field. Their expertise ensures that the treatment is performed safely and effectively.
Hospital Reputation
The reputation of the hospital is an important factor. Hospitals with a good reputation are more likely to provide high - quality care, use the latest techniques, and have better patient outcomes. You can research patient reviews, success rates, and the hospital's standing in the medical community.
Treatment Options Available
Different hospitals may offer different treatment options for breast implant contracture. It is important to choose a hospital that provides a comprehensive range of treatments, including both non - surgical and surgical options, so that you can have the best treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Location and Accessibility
The location of the hospital can also be a consideration. Hospitals like Blaine Plastic Surgery and Vantage Plastic Surgery with multiple locations in New York City offer convenience to patients from different areas. This can be important for pre - operative consultations, post - operative follow - ups, and overall patient comfort.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of treatment and insurance coverage are also important factors. Before choosing a hospital, it is advisable to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered. Some hospitals may also offer payment plans or financial assistance options to help patients manage the cost of treatment.
5. Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After breast implant contracture surgery, patients will typically recover in a recovery suite under the supervision of a nurse. Most surgeries are outpatient procedures, but patients should arrange for someone to drive them home and assist them in the first few days of recovery. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which are normal after surgery.
Medication and Dressings
Surgeons usually prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Patients may also be required to wear a surgical bra or compression bandage to reduce swelling and support the breasts. These dressings should be worn as instructed by the surgeon.
Restrictions and Activity Level
Patients are usually advised to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a certain period, typically 2 - 3 weeks. They should gradually increase their activity level as their recovery progresses. Light activities like walking can be started soon after surgery, but it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions.
Follow - Up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential for monitoring the healing process. The surgeon will check the incisions, look for any signs of complications, and provide further guidance on recovery. External sutures, if used, are usually removed around 7 - 10 days after the procedure.
6. Conclusion
Breast implant contracture is a complication that can cause discomfort and changes in the appearance of the breasts. Fortunately, there are several popular hospitals in New York City that offer effective treatment options. Hospitals like Blaine Plastic Surgery, Antell MD, Vantage Plastic Surgery, Cosmoplastic Surgery, Mount Sinai - New York, and Dr. Tracy Pfeifer's practice have experienced surgeons and provide a range of treatments.
When choosing a hospital, it is important to consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, hospital reputation, treatment options, location, and cost. After treatment, proper recovery and aftercare are crucial for achieving the best results.
If you are experiencing symptoms of breast implant contracture, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these hospitals. Schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your options and take the first step towards resolving this issue and regaining your confidence and comfort.
