Breast Augmentation and Liposuction Blog - Dr. Bottger

A new study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, & Aesthetic Surgery is one of the largest studies to look at capsular contracture risk factors. Capsular contracture occurs when the body's scar capsule contracts around the breast implant, causing painful deformation of the breast. With a sample size similar to the population of the combined core studies by Mentor and Allergan on silicone gel breast implants, this study is a good snapshot of what factors impact capsular contracture rates.

The study looked at a series of 1400 breast augmentations performed by a single surgeon between March 1995 and March 2009. The goal of the study was to explore the impact various factors had on the incidence of capsular contracture. With mysteries still surrounding the exact cause and mechanism of capsular contracture, this study gives some interesting insights. The study population had an overall capsular contracture rate of about 26.9%, with 376 incidents of capsular contracture. The article is currently in press and the abstract does not define whether researchers were considering all instances of capsular contracture or just severe capsular contracture, Baker grade III/IV.

Factors the researchers found were not related to an increased risk of capsular contracture:

• BMI >30
• Fill volume >350 ml
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption

On the other hand, these factors were associated with an increased risk of capsular contracture:

• Implant type (silicone increases risk)
• Pregnancy
• Infection
• Delayed hematoma

Most of these factors have long been associated with capsular contracture, but the researchers reported that this is the first time pregnancy has been implicated as a risk factor in capsular contracture.

Although the study population is large, the fact that it's only one surgeon's experience is a major limitation on how much stock we can give the results. As we know, capsular contracture is influenced by many subtle factors that vary widely from surgeon to surgeon, so one surgeon's experience may not be predictive of the general population.

If you have more questions about capsular contracture and other risks of breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation with Philadelphia board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David A. Bottger.

Labels: breast augmentation, capsular contracture