Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, and for good reason—it can beautifully enhance body proportions, restore volume, and boost confidence. But like all surgeries, it’s not without potential complications. One of the more common issues patients may face is capsular contracture.
At SARA Surgery, we’re here to guide patients through both their enhancement and healing journeys, including correcting complications like capsular contracture with safe, expert care.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
After a breast implant is placed, your body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue—called a capsule—around it. This is a normal healing response. However, in some cases, this capsule can become excessively thick or tight, causing the implant to feel firm, appear distorted, or even cause discomfort. This is known as capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is typically graded using the Baker Classification System:
- Grade I: Breast is soft and natural in appearance
- Grade II: Breast is slightly firm but looks normal
- Grade III: Breast is firm and begins to appear distorted
- Grade IV: Breast is hard, painful, and visibly misshapen
What Causes It?
The exact cause of capsular contracture isn’t always clear, but contributing factors may include:
- Bacterial contamination around the implant
- Hematoma or seroma (fluid buildup)
- Smoking, which can affect healing
- Subglandular implant placement (above the muscle)
- A patient’s individual healing response
How Can It Be Fixed?
Fortunately, capsular contracture can be corrected. At SARA Surgery, we offer a range of options tailored to your unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and medical needs:
- Implant Removal with Lift: Sometimes the best course of action is to remove the implants entirely—especially if you’re no longer interested in having implants—and perform a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time. This approach removes the tight capsule and reshapes the natural breast tissue to restore a more youthful contour.
- Implant Exchange: If you’d like to keep your augmented look but want relief from the contracture, an implant exchange may be right for you. This involves removing the scar tissue, replacing the implant (often switching the type, size, or placement), and recreating a healthier environment for long-term results.
- Total or Partial Capsulectomy: In more severe cases, we perform a capsulectomy, where the thickened capsule is removed either partially or entirely, depending on its severity. This can be done during either implant removal or exchange.
Think You Might Have Capsular Contracture? Let’s Talk.
At SARA Surgery, we don’t just perform procedures—we provide compassionate, individualized care. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sara Dickie, our team brings a combination of advanced surgical expertise, aesthetic precision, and thoughtful patient support.
We understand how frustrating and even painful capsular contracture can be. That’s why we focus on natural-looking outcomes, safe surgical techniques, and long-term satisfaction—whether you’re seeking revision, replacement, or a new direction altogether.
If you’re feeling hardness, discomfort, or noticing a change in the look of your implants, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with SARA Surgery in Morton Grove. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation and walk you through your options to get you back to feeling confident and comfortable in your body again.
Your body deserves expertise. Your results deserve honesty. Your care deserves SARA.
