A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of capsular contracture around a breast implant. Capsular contracture or the formation of tight scar tissue around the implants occurs in up to 10 percent of cases within the first 10 years of having the implants. Research is on going for the specific cause of capsular contracture. Some studies suggest that a systemic inflammatory or infectious process triggers the immune system and cause the inflammatory cells in and around the implant capsule to make more scar tissue around the implant, causing thickening and tightening of the capsule. Routine activities such as a tooth cleaning, which releases bacteria into the bloodstream and can elicit a short-term immune response similar to the common flu, can sometimes trigger a heightened immune system response. The incidence of capsular contracture remains so low that patients do not need routine prophylactic antibiotics for tooth cleanings, but further research may soon prove otherwise.
Four Stages of Capsular Contracture
There are four grades of capsular contracture The Baker Grades I through IV are:
Grade I Capsular Contracture
Grade II Capsular Contracture
Grade III Capsular Contracture
Grade IV Capsular Contracture
Grade I - the breast is normally soft and looks natural;
Grade II - the breast is a little firm but looks normal;
Grade III - the breast is firm and looks abnormal (visible distortion);
Grade IV - the breast is hard, painful and looks abnormal (greater distortion).
