Capsular contracture is a complication that is associated with the use of implants to augment the buttocks. Although the chances of developing the complication are small, it is still a possibility and should be considered when making the decision of whether to go through the buttock implant augmentation or not.
Some common questions with regards to developing capsular contracture after having butt implants include: what it is, who are more at risk of developing it, what its symptoms are, how it is treated, and how it is prevented. By knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions, patients would be more able to understand capsular contracture that is due to butt implants and how to properly deal with it.
What is capsular contracture?
The buttocks can be augmented through the use of fat injection or through the insertion of implants on the butt cheeks. Many go for the use of implants simply because they do not have enough fat to augment their buttocks, or they want a more prominent result. Just like any other surgical procedure, the use of implants to augment the buttocks also comes with risks. One of the complications that can develop is capsular contracture.
The capsular contracture occurs as the body heals from the surgery. With this complication, the capsule or scar that forms around the implant tightens. This leads to a feeling of hardness or tightness of the butt cheeks. The buttocks aren’t the only area in the body where capsular contracture can develop. It is also a complication that is observed in some patients who have breast implants.
Who is at risk of capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication that happens as the body heals, and predicting who is more likely or less likely to get it is impossible. Different people heal differently, and all of those who have implants are at risk of developing capsular contracture. Although this complication can develop, it is still uncommon for those who go through an implant surgery to develop them.
What are the symptoms of capsular contracture?
Careful observation of the buttocks should be done during recovery so that when a capsular contracture starts developing, patients will be able to notice it and confirm by letting their surgeons check on it. Patients may observe a tight feeling or even pain on one side of the buttocks while sitting down or standing up. It is also possible to feel a hard area on the buttocks where the implants are found. For some people, they only develop a mild form of capsular contracture, and they are still able to live with it or are not really bothered by it. Others really develop a severe case of capsular contracture, which needs proper treatment.
How is capsular contracture treated?
The treatment for capsular contracture is usually surgery. During the surgery, the hardened and tightened scar tissue will be removed. It is possible that the implants will also be removed and replaced. Although the surgical treatment will help deal with the current capsular contracture, there is still a chance for it to return and develop once again as long as the patient has implants. The only way to make sure that the capsular contracture doesn’t come back is to completely remove the implants.
What are nonsurgical ways of treating capsular contracture?
It is also possible to treat capsular contracture without resulting to surgery. Some suggest manually breaking up the formed scar tissue by massaging or squeezing the butt cheeks. For some, this is an effective method, but squeezing the butt implants too tightly can also cause other complications to arise. Regular massage would be a better form of treatment. This also only works for those whose capsular contracture is not yet severe or those who are only starting to develop the capsular contracture.
Another way to help treat the capsular contracture is through the use of sound wave therapy. An ultrasound equipment will be used to target the scar tissue and break it up painlessly. This helps with both the pain and the hardness that patients may feel due to the capsular contracture.
Some suggest taking in vitamin E and anti-inflammatory leukotriene. These oral treatments are said to help prevent further development of the scar tissue. However, they may or may not work on an individual. It is also best to talk with the surgeon who did the buttock augmentation. He/she may suggest treatment methods through which positive results were experienced by other patients.
How to prevent capsular contracture?
A way to prevent the capsular contracture is to make sure you choose your surgeon carefully. Some believe that the presence of bacteria can increase the risk of developing capsular contracture. Preventing infection is very important. When you choose experienced and certified surgeons, they can make sure that the surgery is really sterile, and that it is less likely for bacteria to get into your body. Some surgeons may also make use of antibiotics to make sure that there are really no bacteria that can increase the risk of developing capsular contracture.
Conclusion
In butt augmentation with the use of butt implants, there is a possibility for patients to develop capsular contracture. This complication is due to the scar tissue that forms and tightens around the implant.
Aside from what it is, there are several frequently asked questions about the capsular contracture after butt implants. Some of the questions asked include who are at risk of developing it, what its symptoms are, how it is treated, and how it is prevented. With the answer provided above, patients will be more knowledgeable about what capsular contracture really is and how they can deal with it in case they develop it.