Capsular contracture
When an implant is placed into the human body, the body reacts by forming a “capsule” of calcified cells and scar tissue around the implant. If this capsule becomes very thick and causes the implant to shift or the breast to feel very firm, or if the squeezing creates pain, this is known as capsular contracture. Besides possible rupturing of the implant, this is the main side effect of breast augmentation. When this occurs, surgery is usually required. If the capsule is very calcified, Dr. Saltz will remove it along with the implant. If that hasn’t happened, he may leave the capsule. If there is a rupture of a silicone implant, the capsule may contain silicone shell fragments, silicone gel, and inflammatory cells that all need to be removed prior to placing new implants.
Changing the implant size
Sometimes a patient decides she would like a different size implant. This isn’t a decision that should be made soon after surgery, however. Generally, Dr. Saltz advises patients to wait one full year before deciding to make a change. This will allow the implants to fully settle into their final position, and any residual swelling will have passed by then. If the patient still wants to change her implant size, Dr. Saltz will enter through the original incision. If a larger implant is desired, he will increase the size of the pocket, the space in the breast created to hold the implant. If the patient seeks smaller implants, the size of the pocket is reduced with sutures to fit the smaller implants. In cases of reduction, a breast lift may be done in conjunction with the implant revision to remove any sagging tissue and possibly relocate the nipples.
Implant position
Sometimes an augmentation procedure performed by a less experienced surgeon will place the implant pockets either too far away or too close together and the patient is not happy with the placement. In these cases, the scar tissue from the capsule can be used to reconstruct new pockets in better positions.
Implant rippling
Implant rippling is usually a result of saline implants that have been placed atop the chest muscle. There isn’t enough skin and tissue to cover the implant, and rippling occurs. Sometimes the edge of the implant may even be able to be felt. Dr. Saltz enters through the original incisions and replaces the implants with better muscle coverage. This may involve switching implant types and/or placing them in new breast pockets. Silicone gel implants have less occurrence of rippling.
Implant removal
When a patient decides she no longer wants to have her implants, they are removed through the same incisions. Dr. Saltz will also remove the capsule if it is calcified and thick. In these cases, he will usually recommend a breast lift at the same time to remove excess sagging skin and breast tissue.
There are a couple things to consider before going forward with breast augmentation surgery. First, your expectations need to be realistic. Having larger breasts won’t take away all the problems in your life. It will simply change your figure, and probably your body image, all for the better. Still, it’s not a panacea.
Second, this is major surgery. It’s not something to trust to a low-ball estimate or an inexperienced practitioner. Dr. Saltz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Do your research beforehand and the odds are you’ll be happy with your results.
If you have questions about augmentation surgery, don’t hesitate to call us at Dr. Saltz’s Salt Lake City, (801) 274-9500, or Park City, (435) 655-6612, offices.
