Precautions to Avoid Capsular Contracture With Breast implants, NC*

This 25-year-old woman desired augmentation from size A up to a size C cup. She underwent standard breast augmentation with Sientra 385 cc full profile gel implants placed under the muscle. She was very pleased with the natural appearance of her breasts postoperatively Capsular contracture is an abnormal potential complication of breast augmentation that fortunately has become less common with new advances and implant technology and further knowledge about measures to reduce the incidence. A number of factors may lead to Capsule formation. It is felt that excess blood or serum around the implant may lead to inflammation and subsequent excess scarring. Therefore meticulous control of bleeding is mandatory to reduce this potential problem. In addition placement of implants in the submuscular plane also has been shown to reduce capsule formation It is also felt that minor degrees of bacterial contamination from the patient's own skin or breast tissue potentially could mediate capsular contracture even without causing a formal infection. The use of a insertion sleeve or Keller funnel may help to reduce the exposure of surface bacteria to the implant. Use of antiseptic and antibiotic solutions instilled in the surgical site and the implant are also utilized. Single-dose antibiotic given intravenously may also be beneficial. The implant manufacturers now include a capsular contracture clause on the warranty coverage in the event of capsular contracture.