Our Summary

This research paper discusses a common issue that occurs after breast implant surgery - capsular contracture or capsular fibrosis. This is when the body creates too much scar tissue around the implant, causing problems. Doctors often use sonography (ultrasound) to check if an implant might be causing trouble. Despite many patients facing this issue, there isn’t a lot of research on what sonography findings mean in these cases.

The paper talks about what normal sonography looks like after breast implant surgery and what signs might suggest an issue with capsular fibrosis. These signs include changes in the shape of the implant, an increased number of folds in the surrounding tissue, and the scar tissue getting thicker. The paper also discusses the potential of new techniques in diagnosing this problem and suggests areas where more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What is capsular contracture or capsular fibrosis that can occur after breast implant surgery?
  2. How is sonography used in identifying issues with breast implants?
  3. What are the signs that might suggest an issue with capsular fibrosis after breast implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about breast augmentation is to schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the implants and check for any potential issues, such as capsular contracture. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and following post-operative care instructions can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best outcomes. It is important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes they may notice with their implants to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are considering breast augmentation surgery are those who are looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. This could include individuals who have naturally small breasts, asymmetrical breasts, or have lost breast volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Patients may also choose to undergo breast augmentation to improve their self-confidence and body image.

It is important for patients considering breast augmentation to have realistic expectations and be in good overall health. Patients should also be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, patients should have a stable weight and be emotionally prepared for the physical and emotional changes that come with breast augmentation.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one and should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the patient’s individual needs and goals.

Timeline

Before breast augmentation:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and options for breast implants
  2. Pre-operative appointments and tests to ensure the patient is a good candidate for surgery
  3. Decision-making on implant type, size, and placement with the surgeon
  4. Surgical procedure to insert the implants, typically under general anesthesia
  5. Recovery period with post-operative care instructions from the surgeon

After breast augmentation:

  1. Immediate post-operative recovery with pain medication and monitoring for complications
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to check on healing and address any concerns
  3. Gradual healing process with swelling and discomfort subsiding over time
  4. Final results becoming more apparent as the breasts settle into their new shape
  5. Long-term maintenance and monitoring for potential issues like capsular contracture through regular check-ups with the surgeon

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast augmentation related to capsular contracture or capsular fibrosis may include:

  1. What are the risks of developing capsular contracture or capsular fibrosis after breast implant surgery?
  2. How often should I have follow-up appointments to check for any signs of capsular contracture?
  3. What symptoms should I look out for that may indicate a problem with my implants?
  4. How is capsular contracture diagnosed, and what role does sonography play in detecting it?
  5. What are the treatment options if capsular contracture is suspected or diagnosed?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of capsular contracture?
  7. Are there any new technologies or techniques available for diagnosing and treating capsular contracture?
  8. What research is currently being done on capsular contracture, and how might it impact my treatment in the future?

Reference

Authors: Gossner J. Journal: J Ultrasound. 2016 Dec 27;20(1):87-89. doi: 10.1007/s40477-016-0225-2. eCollection 2017 Mar. PMID: 28298950