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Capsular Contracture Treatment

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant tightens and thickens. As this tissue hardens, it can squeeze the implant, causing firmness, discomfort, or a visible change in the shape or position of the breast. It's one of the most common reasons women return for revision surgery after implant-based reconstruction.

If you're experiencing capsular contracture, you have more options than you may realize. PRMA's surgeons offer a full spectrum of treatments, from capsulectomy and implant revision to natural-tissue DIEP flap reconstruction, so you can find lasting relief and move forward with confidence.

Schedule Your Consultation
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Key Information

  • Capsular contracture is scar tissue tightening around an implant
  • Common signs include firmness, pain, and a change in breast shape
  • Baker Grades I–IV classify contracture severity, from soft and natural (I) to firm, painful, or visibly distorted (IV)
  • Radiation and infection can increase your risk of recurrence
  • Treatment ranges from capsulectomy to full implant removal
  • DIEP flap reconstruction replaces implants with your own tissue
  • PRMA's dual-surgeon approach supports safety and precision
  • Natural tissue reconstruction may lower your risk of recurrence
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Understanding Your Options

There is no single fix for capsular contracture, and the right path depends on your history, your goals, and how your body has responded to your implant. PRMA's surgeons will walk you through every option so you can choose the treatment that fits your life.

Capsulectomy

A capsulectomy removes the tightened scar tissue surrounding the implant. This can relieve pain and restore a more natural shape, and is often paired with the placement of a new implant or a switch to natural tissue reconstruction.
Learn About Capsulectomy

Implant Revision Surgery

If your implant is still a good option for you, revision surgery can replace it, reposition it, and address the surrounding scar tissue in a single procedure.
Explore Implant Revision

DIEP Flap Reconstruction

For women who are ready to move away from implants for good, DIEP flap reconstruction uses your own natural tissue to rebuild the breast. Because there is no implant, there is nothing left behind to form a new capsule, offering a lasting, natural-feeling alternative with a 99+% success rate at PRMA.
Learn About DIEP Flap

What to Expect During Surgery

Every capsular contracture procedure at PRMA begins with a thorough evaluation of your implant, your scar tissue, and your goals for treatment. During surgery, your surgeon will remove the hardened capsule and, depending on your plan, either replace the implant, reposition it, or transition you to natural tissue reconstruction.

Many of our patients choose to combine capsule removal with DIEP flap reconstruction in the same surgery, allowing you to address the contracture and move to a natural, implant-free result at once. As with all of PRMA's flap procedures, this option is performed using our dual-surgeon approach, with two experienced microsurgeons working together for enhanced safety and precision.

Your surgical team will explain each step in detail during your consultation, including anesthesia, expected surgery time, and what your specific procedure will involve, so you feel informed and prepared before your surgery date.

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Before & After

See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
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Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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After DIEP FLAP After 2

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Procedure: DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Procedure: DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
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Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1
    Rest is the priority during your first week of recovery. You may notice swelling, tenderness, or tightness around the treatment area, and it's normal to feel more tired than usual. Your care team will monitor your incisions closely and give you guidance on managing any discomfort.
  • Weeks 2
    Most patients see a noticeable reduction in pain and swelling by the second week. You can typically resume light daily activities, such as short walks or gentle household tasks, with your surgeon's guidance. Any surgical drains, if used, are often removed around this time.
  • Weeks 3
    Energy levels continue to improve, and many women feel more like themselves again. Depending on the procedure performed, you may be cleared to return to non-strenuous work or resume light exercise. Your surgeon will continue to check your healing progress at follow-up visits.
  • Weeks 4
    Swelling continues to subside and your results begin to take a more natural shape. Your surgeon will confirm when you can resume regular exercise, driving, and other everyday activities. Most patients feel confident and comfortable in their new results by this point, though full healing may continue for several more weeks.
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The Nation’s Destination for
Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients—giving back not just form, but feeling.
About TruSense®

Am I a Candidate for Capsular Contracture Treatment?

You may be a candidate for treatment if you're experiencing firmness, pain, or a change in the shape of your reconstructed or augmented breast. A consultation with a PRMA surgeon is the best way to understand which option is right for you. 

Below is a quick screening you can give yourself. 

  • You have noticeable firmness, tightness, or distortion around an implant

  • You're experiencing pain or discomfort that affects daily life

  • You've had capsular contracture before and are concerned about recurrence

  • You're interested in transitioning away from implants altogether

  • You want to understand every option before deciding on treatment

If you answered 'Yes’ to one or more of these questions, it may be a good idea to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.

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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA is the only center in San Antonio, Texas, and one of only a handful of centers worldwide to provide breast reconstruction on such a large scale. Our surgeons treat patients from across Texas and the US, and routinely welcome international patients.  We are proud to have a tremendous global reputation for excellence in breast reconstruction.
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Dr. Peter Ledoux
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical techniques
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Dr. Steven Pisano

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and complex microsurgery

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Dr. Chet Nastala
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in advanced breast reconstruction
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Andrew Gassman
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery
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Dr. Anton Fries
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in advanced lymphatic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery
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Dr. Lauren Whipple
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and reconstructive care
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Dr. Tyler Merceron

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical care

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Dr. Courtney Carpenter
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction
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Dr. Edwin Acevedo
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery

Will Insurance Cover Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture treatment is often covered under federal law for patients who have had breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and PRMA's team is experienced in working with insurance providers on your behalf.

For more information, visit our Insurance FAQs in the patient resource center.

Insurance FAQs
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Preparing for Surgery

Whether you live nearby or are traveling from out of state, PRMA's team is here to help you feel ready and supported every step of the way.

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Preparing for Surgery
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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture develops when the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around a breast implant tightens more than expected. Factors like infection, bleeding, radiation, and individual healing patterns can all play a role.
Can capsular contracture come back after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible, especially after radiation. This is one reason many patients choose to transition to natural tissue DIEP flap reconstruction, which removes the implant entirely and eliminates the risk of future capsular contracture.
Is capsulectomy a major surgery?
Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that typically requires anesthesia and a recovery period. Your PRMA surgeon will walk you through exactly what to expect based on your specific case during your consultation.
Do I have to replace my implant after capsulectomy?
Not necessarily. Depending on your goals and candidacy, you may choose to replace your implant, or you may choose to transition to DIEP flap reconstruction using your own natural tissue instead.

Ready to Find Lasting Relief?

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