Capsular Contracture

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, Boerne and McAllen, TX

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of breast implant surgery. While breast implants are designed to be long-lasting and safe, some patients experience complications that can affect both the look and feel of their breasts and potentially lead to physical discomfort. It is standard for the body to create a thin, fibrous capsule to secure an implant (or any foreign object, for that matter); however, capsular contracture arises when this tissue becomes abnormally tight or thick. (1) This constriction can result in firmness, a distorted appearance, or pain. Since this condition can develop months or years after the initial augmentation, it often creates significant frustration for patients regarding their long-term surgical outcomes.

Specializing in numerous forms of breast enhancement procedures, Dr. Daniel Lee and the team at New Life Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa are among Texas’s leading cosmetic surgery experts. They specialize in diagnosing and treating capsular contracture, helping patients restore the softness, shape, and comfort they desire. Whether you received your original implants at New Life or another practice, Dr. Lee provides customized treatment plans to correct the issue, relieve discomfort, and help you feel confident in your appearance again. Through advanced surgical techniques and personalized aftercare, we work to achieve long-lasting results tailored to your individual circumstances.

To explore your capsular contracture treatment options or to learn more about this risk before your own breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation online. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our McAllen or Boerne offices at (956) 969-8369 or (830) 515-5193, respectively.

About Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the body’s natural healing response to a breast implant overdevelops beyond the typical soft tissue envelope. (2) This capsule usually serves the constructive purpose of stabilizing the implant; however, some patients experience abnormal tissue tightening that compresses the implant, resulting in firmness or pain. We categorize the severity of this response on a scale ranging from nearly imperceptible mildness to advanced stages that lead to noticeable asymmetry or physical distortion. (3) Although researchers have not pinpointed the exact cause of capsular contracture, multiple variables are known to influence its development, such as individual healing patterns, hematomas, breast trauma, implant ruptures, and bacterial exposure.

To address the issues caused by a tightened capsule, Dr. Lee and his team utilize surgical interventions that restore the natural feel and appearance of the breasts. The core of this treatment is a capsulotomy or capsulectomy, which focuses on releasing or entirely extracting the tough scar tissue. (1) Furthermore, to reduce the chance of recurrence, many procedures involve replacing the original implants with a new variety or relocating them into a different pocket. These specialized methods effectively alleviate patient discomfort and achieve a soft, aesthetically improved result.

Benefits of Treatment

Corrective surgery for capsular contracture offers many benefits, including:

  • Elimination of breast discomfort, including tightness, tenderness, and pain.
  • Improved aesthetic results, featuring better symmetry and breast shape.
  • A softer, more natural breast feel.
  • Removal of dense scar tissue that distorted the implant.
  • The chance to upgrade or enhance breast implant devices.
  • Deeper health insights through professional pathology lab analysis.
  • Long-term boost in self-assurance and physical ease.

Candidates

You may be a potential candidate for capsular contracture treatment if you meet the following criteria:

  • You notice tightness, hardening, or physical discomfort in your breast tissue after a previous augmentation.
  • Capsule formation has caused your breasts to look asymmetrical, misshapen, or distorted.
  • You are unhappy with the texture or appearance of your implants from a past surgery.
  • You are prepared to remove or replace your implants to attain a softer and more natural aesthetic.
  • You maintain good general health and lack conditions that might hinder surgical recovery.
  • Your expectations regarding the surgery’s risks, recovery process, and final results are realistic.

Because the severity of capsular contracture differs for every individual, a private consultation is necessary to determine your eligibility for this corrective treatment.

Personal Consultation

Your initial consultation is where you and Dr. Lee will explore your symptoms, objectives, and concerns. After conducting a thorough physical exam and evaluating your surgical history and implant status, Dr. Lee will outline various treatment pathways. These may include an implant exchange, a partial release, or a full capsulectomy.

To minimize the risk of recurrence, he will also discuss the advantages of adjusting implant placement or selecting different implant types. This session serves as an in-depth forum for your questions, ensuring you fully comprehend the recommended approach. Dr. Lee will provide you with a tailored surgical strategy intended to optimize your comfort and confidence while achieving your desired aesthetic results.

To take the first step in your journey to treating capsular contracture, schedule this personal consultation with Dr. Lee by contacting New Life online or calling one of our two offices:

Preparation

In advance of your procedure, Dr. Lee and the New Life team will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions specific to your case to help ensure a smooth surgical process and recovery. Some guidelines include:

  • Stop using nicotine (if applicable) for several weeks before and after surgery.
  • Pause the use of any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Undergo necessary lab work and imaging to confirm implant position and capsule severity.
  • Prepare a comfortable recovery space and arrange personal transportation and care for surgery day and 24-48 hours of initial recovery.

Procedure

First, the surgical staff administers anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. Dr. Lee then creates an incision, typically using the previous surgical scar or placing it within the inframammary fold to reduce new scarring. By carefully dissecting and either partially releasing or fully removing the hardened capsule of scar tissue, pressure on the implant is relieved, helping the breast return to a more natural, softer contour.

Dr. Lee often performs an implant exchange as part of the corrective process, as adjusting size, type, or placement can significantly reduce the likelihood of future contracture. This may involve replacement with newer-generation implants or shifting from a subglandular to a subfascial or submuscular position. After completing the necessary corrections, Dr. Lee carefully closes the incisions with layered sutures to encourage smooth healing and minimize visible scarring. Your surgical team will fit you with a supportive bra or compression garment, which you must wear during the initial recovery phase to stabilize the implants and mitigate swelling.

Recovery

The duration of recovery typically depends on the surgery’s complexity and whether new implants are placed. Patients frequently return to work after one to two weeks, though they must avoid strenuous physical activity for four to six weeks. Initial symptoms like bruising, swelling, and slight discomfort are controllable with supportive garments and prescribed medication.

To support your recovery, Dr. Lee and the New Life staff offer comprehensive aftercare guidelines and are available to handle any questions as you heal. It is important to attend scheduled follow-up appointments, which allow the clinical team to track your progress, ensure proper healing, and reduce the risk of complications or recurrence.

Results

The majority of patients experience immediate relief from previous tightness and discomfort, even through post-surgical swelling and tenderness. The breasts typically feel softer and more natural as swelling subsides in the weeks following the procedure. Final results can take several months to fully develop as tissues heal and the implants settle into their new position. Patients frequently notice improved symmetry, a more aesthetically pleasing breast contour, and renewed confidence and physical ease.

Corresponding Procedures

Many patients undergoing capsular contracture treatment choose to combine their revision surgery with additional procedures for enhanced results.

Breast Lift

Many patients who have experienced implant complications also notice sagging or stretched breast tissue. Combining a breast lift with capsular contracture treatment can restore a youthful, elevated contour and deliver more balanced results.

Breast Reduction

For patients who wish to downsize their implants or reduce breast volume altogether, breast reduction may be performed during the same surgical session. This option creates a lighter, more proportionate bust while resolving contracture symptoms.

Breast Implant Removal

Some patients choose to have their implants removed entirely as part of their capsular contracture correction. During breast implant removal, Dr. Lee will carefully remove the capsule and implant and reshape the remaining breast tissue to create a smooth, natural contour.

Cost of Capsular Contracture Treatment in South Texas

The cost of capsular contracture treatment varies for each patient, depending on surgical needs and aesthetic goals. Dr. Lee will give you a transparent and detailed estimate of the expected cost of your personalized treatment during your consultation. New Life offers financing options to qualifying patients. If you are interested in exploring what your treatment might cost before you attend your consultation, we encourage you to explore our pricing page.

Submit an online contact form to schedule your capsular contracture consultation. To speak to one of our team members directly, please call your nearest New Life office:

FAQ

What causes capsular contracture?

The root cause of capsular contracture is still not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by infection, hematoma, implant rupture, trauma, or an unpredictable healing response. Can capsular contracture return after treatment? While corrective surgery significantly reduces the risk, there is no guarantee that it will not recur. Following Dr. Lee’s recommendations and choosing the right implant type and placement can help lower the chances of recurrence.

Is capsular contracture treatment painful?

You will receive anesthesia before surgery begins, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Any discomfort afterward is usually mild to moderate and manageable with prescribed medication.

How long will recovery take after capsular contracture treatment?

Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks, with full recovery typically achieved in four to six weeks.

Can I keep my current implants?

Generally, Dr. Lee does not advise keeping your existing implants, and he will review your specific implant type with you during your consultation. If your current implants are from Mentor and were placed within the past decade, the manufacturer typically covers the cost of replacements. Please note, however, that even if the implants themselves are covered, fees for anesthesia and the operating room will still apply. This coverage is a significant benefit offered by Mentor that many other manufacturers do not provide.

What is recommended to prevent capsular contracture from recurring?

In addition to the specialized surgical techniques Dr. Lee uses to minimize recurrence, certain medications and supplements (Milk Thistle, Vitamin E, Singulair) have shown potential benefits in clinical studies. We can discuss options and recommendations in detail during your consultation.

References

  1. Pietro Susini, Nisi G, Diletta Maria Pierazzi, et al. Advances on Capsular Contracture—Prevention and Management Strategies: A Narrative Review of the Literature. 2023;11(6):e5034-e5034. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005034
  2. Ghosh B, Alsalt AL-Busaidi, Sinha M, et al. Unveiling the Enigma: Exploring Capsular Contracture – Unraveling its Link with Autoimmune Disorders and Comprehensive Examination of Predisposing Factors. JPRAS open. Published online February 1, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2024.01.015
  3. Haas E, Christodoulou N, Secanho M, et al. Capsular Contracture After Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2025;7. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaf003