Introduction
Breast implant capsular contracture is a significant concern for many women who have undergone breast augmentation procedures. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and aesthetic issues, making it crucial to seek treatment from top - notch medical facilities. In New York City, known for its world - class healthcare, new hospitals have emerged as leaders in dealing with this condition. This article will explore what breast implant capsular contracture is, the top hospitals in New York City for its treatment, and much more.
Understanding Breast Implant Capsular Contracture
What is Capsular Contracture?
When breast implants are inserted, the body naturally forms a protective capsule of scar tissue around them. In some cases, this scar tissue can thicken and tighten abnormally, leading to capsular contracture. According to vantageplasticsurgery.com, this abnormal reaction can be triggered by inflammation during the healing process, often exacerbated by bacterial contamination or excessive bleeding around the implant. The condition can vary in severity, from mild cases that may go unnoticed to severe ones that cause significant pain and breast deformity.
Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
- Hardening of the breast: The breast may feel firmer than normal as the scar tissue tightens around the implant.
- Breast pain: Patients may experience discomfort or pain, which can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of contracture.
- Tightness and firmness: There is a feeling of tightness in the breast, and it can become very firm to the touch.
- Round or ball - shaped appearance: The breast may take on a more spherical shape, deviating from the natural contour.
- Misshapen breast: The overall shape of the breast can be distorted, leading to an uneven or abnormal appearance.
- Elevation of the breasts: In some cases, the breasts may appear higher than normal due to the contracture.
Grades of Capsular Contracture
Greenwald Plastic Surgery classifies capsular contracture into four grades based on severity:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade I | The breasts feel normal and appear natural, but problems are starting below the surface. |
| Grade II | The breasts are firmer than usual yet appear normal. |
| Grade III | The breasts grow harder and start changing in shape. They may look much rounder, and nipples could start changing, too. |
| Grade IV | The breasts are hard, painful, and significantly distorted. |
Doctors Treating Capsular Contracture in New York
There are numerous doctors in New York who specialize in treating capsular contracture of breast implants. Healthgrades lists several top - rated doctors:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Emile Bacha, MD | 3.60 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street F677, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Amber Guth, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 560 1st Ave Fl 10, New York, NY 10016 |
| Dr. Virgilio Sacchini, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Alexandra Heerdt, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jennifer Lehman, MD | 4.50 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E Ste 4, New York, NY 10003 |
| Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Andrea Barrio, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 300 E 66th St, New York, NY 10065 |
Top Hospitals in New York City for Capsular Contracture Treatment
New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
This hospital has been highly recognized. In different rankings by U.S. News & World Report, it has achieved top positions. It was named the top hospital in New York and ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation. It ranks nationally in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. The hospital's surgical excellence is evident in areas such as heart surgery, GI surgery, lung surgery in adults, and pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery. Its national ranking in cancer care also reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise, including breast surgery, which is relevant to capsular contracture treatment as breast surgery may be involved in the management of this condition. According to columbiasurgery.org, it offers trusted care for various procedures and conditions, with its ratings analyzing data in categories like patient outcomes, patient experience, nurse staffing, and advanced clinical technologies.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers breast implant revision services, which are crucial for treating capsular contracture. Their breast implant revision specialists are highly skilled in medical care and plastic surgery. They can correct various problems with breast implants, including capsular contracture. The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai perform secondary or breast implant revision surgery to make the position, shape, and texture of breast implants more natural and beautiful. They may use techniques such as matching and repairing the body's tissue with the implants, recommending new materials or meshes to stabilize the area around the implant, and suggesting fat transfer to enhance the natural shape and texture of the breasts.
NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital
While NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital is well - known for orthopedic care, it also has the medical infrastructure and expertise to deal with breast - related issues including capsular contracture. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. Its multidisciplinary approach may involve plastic surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists working together to provide comprehensive care for patients with breast implant capsular contracture. The hospital's access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options makes it a viable option for patients seeking treatment.
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health
This hospital in Manhasset, NY is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. It offers a range of medical services and has a team of experienced doctors who can handle breast implant - related complications such as capsular contracture. The hospital's focus on patient - centered care and its use of the latest medical technologies contribute to its ability to provide high - quality treatment for this condition. It may offer surgical and non - surgical options for capsular contracture based on the patient's specific needs and the severity of the condition.
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. It has a reputation for providing excellent healthcare services. The hospital can offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for breast implant capsular contracture. Their medical team can determine the most appropriate treatment plan, whether it involves conservative management or surgical intervention. They also prioritize patient education and follow - up care to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with capsular contracture.
Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture
Non - Surgical Treatments
For early - stage capsular contracture, non - surgical options may be considered. These mainly involve medication. Leukotriene inhibitors, such as Singulair, can help reduce inflammation and soften scar tissue. According to greenwaldplasticsurgery.com, some doctors may pair this with a low - dose antibiotic for early - stage cases. However, the success of non - surgical treatments can vary, and they may not be effective in more severe cases.
Surgical Treatments
In severe cases of capsular contracture, surgery is often the most effective option. This typically involves a capsulectomy, which is the removal of the thickened capsule. In some instances, partial or complete removal of the implant may be necessary. Depending on the circumstances, the implant may need replacement, or patients may opt for complete removal of both implants. Dr. Joshua Greenwald at Greenwald Plastic Surgery customizes surgery based on implant placement. For subglandular implants (implants placed under the glands and above the muscles), he often performs a “pocket change,” removing the implant and surrounding capsule and placing a new implant under the muscle. For patients with submuscular implants, he typically performs a capsulectomy and then creates another submuscular pocket for new implants. He also uses several innovative approaches during surgery to minimize the risk of recurrence, such as submuscular placement, drain - free techniques, antimicrobial irrigation, a funnel device to place the implants (no - touch), and acellular dermal matrix (Strattice) to prevent scar tissue growth.
Preventing Capsular Contracture
While capsular contracture cannot be entirely prevented, certain measures can help minimize the risk. Choosing the right implant size and type is crucial. The surgical technique used during breast augmentation also plays a role. Surgeons may use techniques such as proper pocket creation, avoiding excessive trauma during surgery, and using appropriate antibacterial measures. Some doctors also recommend post - operative breast massage to keep the capsule from tightening.
Conclusion
Breast implant capsular contracture is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a patient's physical and emotional well - being. In New York City, there are top - rated hospitals and experienced doctors who are well - equipped to handle this condition. Whether through non - surgical or surgical treatments, patients have access to a range of options. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, grades, and treatment options is essential for patients who may be facing this issue. If you suspect you have breast implant capsular contracture or have any concerns related to breast implants, it is highly recommended that you seek professional medical advice. Consult with one of the top doctors or hospitals in New York City to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and continue exploring related topics to stay informed about breast implant health.
