A breast that once felt soft may become firm, painful, or misshapen when scar tissue tightens around an implant. Breast implant revision can correct these changes, but many women also wonder whether capsular contracture can return.
The answer is yes, although recurrence does not happen to everyone. This blog explains why the condition might come back, how revision surgery addresses it, and what may help lower the risk.
At Farris Plastic Surgery in Dallas, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Zachary Farris creates individualized revision plans based on each patient’s anatomy, symptoms, implant history, and goals. He is known for this unhurried, highly curated approach and takes the time to respond to all questions and concerns.
Why Can Capsular Contracture Return?
The body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue, called a capsule, around a breast implant. Capsular contracture develops when the capsule tightens and hardens around the implant, potentially causing firmness, discomfort, or visible distortion.
During a revision procedure, the surgeon may remove scar tissue, release the tightened layer, exchange the implant, or adjust the implant pocket. However, the body will form a new capsule and, in some cases, that tissue might tighten again.
What May Raise the Risk of Recurrence?
Factors that may be associated with capsular contracture or surgical complications include:
- A previous capsular contracture
- Infection or bacterial contamination
- Bleeding or fluid buildup after surgery
- Implant rupture or silicone leakage
- Smoking or nicotine use, which can interfere with healing
- Radiation therapy in patients with implant-based breast reconstruction
Having a risk factor does not mean the condition will return. Your surgeon can review your history and symptoms before recommending a plan.
Watch for Changes After Surgery
Call your plastic surgeon if a breast becomes firmer, higher, rounder, painful, or noticeably different from the other side. These changes do not always indicate capsular contracture, but an examination and imaging (when needed) can help determine the cause.
Follow-up appointments also allow your surgeon to monitor healing and discuss FDA-recommended ultrasound or MRI screening for silicone implant rupture.
Discuss Breast Implant Revision in Dallas
Capsular contracture can come back, but recurrence is not certain. A personal evaluation can help identify factors behind the original problem and determine which approach is most suitable for your needs.
Call Farris Plastic Surgery at 214-363-1073 to arrange an appointment with Dr. Zachary Farris and discuss breast implant revision in Dallas.