What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the tissue surrounding the breast implant, known as the capsule, tightens around the implant. As the capsule tightens, the breast implant starts to feel firm, look more round, as if it’s being pulled upward, and can become painful. Some patients refer to the condition as “hard breasts” because their chest can feel hard or solid as the tissue squeezes around the implant. Research into capsular contracture is ongoing, and no specific cause has been identified. Dr. Teitelbaum helps minimize the chances of developing capsular contracture with the following:

  • Precise and bloodless surgery
  • Avoiding bacterial contamination of the implant before placement
  • Avoiding incisions in the nipples
  • Encouraging light activity during early recovery
  • Using proper antibiotics and irrigation methods during healing

Key Symptoms to Monitor

Capsular contracture often develops gradually, with patients noticing a slow change over the weeks or months following their breast augmentation. Most often, capsular contracture only affects one breast, but it can affect both. Common symptoms of capsular contracture include the following:

  • Hard or firm breasts
  • Breasts that look rounder than normal
  • Implants that sit higher on the chest than intended
  • Visible upper fullness or distortion
  • Breast discomfort or pain
  • Difficulty sleeping on your stomach
  • Improper fit when wearing bras or tight clothing
  • Breasts that feel artificial or move unnaturally

Longstanding contracture may also stretch the skin along your chest, thin the breast tissue, or make mammograms more difficult to complete.

Banner media
womans neck and shoulders

How Do I Know if I Have Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is diagnosed only by a trained physician, such as Dr. Teitelbaum, through physical examination. You may have capsular contracture if you experience the following:

  • Breasts that start soft and natural-feeling but become hard weeks or months after surgery
  • Asymmetry due to excessive rounding of one breast
  • Abnormal, persistent pain and discomfort in the breasts
  • Changes in the shape and texture of the breast

Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

Dr. Teitelbaum is considered an expert in treating capsular contracture and specializes in using biologic materials to offer additional support to the breast after treatment. He’s taught his methods to surgeons worldwide and has been recognized by his peers as a preeminent breast plastic surgeon. 


Leading With Clinical Excellence

Dr. Teitelbaum opened his private practice in 1995 after receiving his doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine and completing his residency at Harvard University. He has also earned two board certifications in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, and he currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine. Beyond lecturing peers and medical students across five continents, Dr. Teitelbaum has completed breast implant research with the FDA to further the understanding of how implants work in the body. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals like the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he’s earned memberships and leadership positions in the following professional organizations:

  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

Putting Patients First

As a patient, you’ll feel Dr. Teitelbaum’s passion for plastic surgery from your first consultation to your final follow-up. His focus is always on delivering high-quality, natural-looking results for patients, whether he’s performing a primary breast augmentation or a post-capsulectomy implant replacement. He works with a long-term, licensed team, including a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, and holds his collaborators to the highest safety and quality standards in the industry.

Before & After Breast Implant Revision

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media

Adult content

I am 18+ years old

Hub patient media
Banner media

Your Private Consultation

To begin treatment for capsular contracture, you’ll join Dr. Teitelbaum for a one-on-one consultation at his Los Angeles office. There, you’ll discuss your symptoms and medical history, and Dr. Teitelbaum will conduct an in-depth physical examination to confirm your diagnosis. No X-rays or special testing are needed to diagnose capsular contracture.

During your examination, Dr. Teitelbaum will diagnose your capsular contracture according to the following Baker System:

  • Baker I: The implant is barely palpable, and the breast is soft with no obvious capsule.
  • Baker II: There’s minor firmness around the implant, but there’s no distortion in the breast’s appearance.
  • Baker III: The implant is firm and creates a visible distortion, looking somewhat round, high, or bulging on top.
  • Baker IV: The breast is firm, distorted, and painful.

Baker I and Baker II are considered normal and do not require treatment, whereas Baker III and Baker IV indicate capsular contracture and require surgical intervention.

How Dr. Teitelbaum Treats Capsular Contracture

Surgical treatment for capsular contracture is known as a complete capsulectomy. This procedure, which typically takes less than two hours, involves the full removal of all scar tissue surrounding the implant, with a focus on precise, bloodless techniques. Once the scar tissue is removed, you’ll receive a brand new implant and a surgical drain to encourage fluid drainage during recovery.

Depending on your anatomical and medical needs, Dr. Teitelbaum may place AlloDerm or Strattice around the implant to help support the breast tissue and prevent scar tissue build-up.

Patient-First Recovery in Los Angeles

Recovery after your capsulectomy typically involves mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness along the chest, which should resolve within one week. You’ll need to keep your drains in place for up to a week to allow complete fluid drainage. Light movement is encouraged early to promote blood flow, but you must avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month to support your healing.

After your procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will provide you with specific aftercare instructions tailored to your body. This list may include the following items:

  • Incision site care and cleaning protocols
  • Surgical drain maintenance
  • Hygiene recommendations, including a timeline on when it’ll be safe to shower again
  • Activity limitations
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Swelling and pain management strategies
  • Compressive garment guidance

You’ll return to Dr. Teitelbaum’s Los Angeles office several times over the coming months for follow-up appointments. There, he’ll monitor your healing progress, check the health of your breast implants and surrounding tissue, and remove drains and sutures when appropriate.

Banner media

Capsular Contracture FAQs

How long after surgery can capsular contracture develop?

Most patients who experience capsular contracture will develop the condition within 6-12 months of their breast augmentation surgery. Late capsular contracture can occur after one year, but this is uncommon.

Are there non-surgical treatments for capsular contracture?

If capsular contracture is caught in the earliest stage, you may be prescribed antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, ibuprofen, or targeted massages to help reduce inflammation and prevent further tightening. Your treatment plan will depend on your preferences and your body’s needs.

Can an implant be reused after capsular contracture treatment?

No. A new implant is the only option for patients after a capsulectomy. Dr. Teitelbaum will work closely with you to select a new implant that aligns with your aesthetic goals and maintains your body’s natural proportions.

Do I need to replace my implants after a capsulectomy?

No. Some patients decide to remove their implants entirely, while others opt for a replacement. The choice is yours, and Dr. Teitelbaum will honor your decision when building your surgical plan.

References

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (310) 315-1121.
Contact Us