Is it possible to treat capsular contracture non-surgically? - 4 minutes read


For patients who have had breast augmentation, capsular contracture happens in about 5% of cases. Even though it happens infrequently, it is one of the post-procedure problems that are most frequently observed. As the patient heals, scar tissue could form a tight or restrictive capsule around the implant. This capsule keeps tightening and hardening, which can be uncomfortable or painful and causes the implant to slide out of position.

There are surgical treatment options, but those are a bit painful, and one can feel uncomfortable. Hence there are non-surgical options too. So, yes, it is possible to treat capsular contracture non-surgically. Capsular contracture non-surgical treatment includes massage and aspen ultrasound therapy, which effectively prevents capsular contracture. Keep reading to learn about these non-surgical treatments.


Capsular contracture: Non-surgical treatments


When you undergo breast implantation, your body creates a capsule, or tissue lining, around the breast implants as part of the typical healing process. This lining is typically flexible, soft, and barely perceptible to the touch or eye. This capsule can harden and contract around the implant in a tiny number of individuals; this is known as capsular contracture. When this occurs, the breast may feel firm and spherical in an unnatural way. The condition may occasionally cause pain. The capsular contracture includes 4 grades that are:

Grade I: Soft and natural-looking breasts.

Grade II: Breasts appear normal while being slightly firm.

Grade III: Firm and atypical-looking breasts

Grade IV: The breast is painful, hard, and disfigured-looking.

Ultrasound is an effective treatment in all stages of capsular contracture and manages successfully. Additionally, this treatment is advised as a prophylactic measure after breast implant surgery and as a preoperative measure to enhance the results of closed capsulectomy (surgical treatment for capsular contracture). By contacting the best plastic surgeon, one can determine whether non-surgical ultrasound-aided capsular contracture treatment is the best course of action for you after a consultation and thorough evaluation.


Why should you choose non-surgical treatments?


Capsular contracture has been treated with various techniques, including ultrasound, medicines, and vigorous manual external compression (closed capsulotomy). However, surgeons no longer utilize closed capsulotomy because it is uncomfortable, inconsistent in effectiveness, and can lead to significant problems, including hematoma formation.

According to research, ultrasound is a successful non-surgical capsular contracture treatment. The aspen ultrasound system is a popular method for applying external ultrasound to the breast with a hand-held instrument. Ten treatments are given throughout up to a month. The treatment plan includes breast massage as a crucial component.

There are a few scientific articles that support the use of this method, along with encouraging online testimonials from patients. However, a proper scientific investigation is still needed to determine the exact use of this strategy and its limits. In addition, consultation with the surgeon is necessary before choosing this capsular contracture non-surgical treatment option.


Benefits of Non-Surgical Capsular Contracture Treatment


There are various benefits to non-surgical capsular contracture treatment like ultrasound therapy, including:

  • Enhances the normal outflow of lymph
  • Reduces swelling
  • Stimulates fibroblast formation in the body naturally to promote healing
  • Increases the rate of cellular regeneration
  • It helps the body repair itself
  • It allows vital oxygen to reach the tissues
  • It helps regenerate new blood vessels
  • Minimizes inflammation


The ultrasound procedure for treating capsular contracture has proven to help prevent the start of the problem. Many women who have had breast augmentation have used this capsular contracture non-surgical treatment to avoid the formation of the condition. While ultrasound is now utilized to assist women who want to prevent the formation of the problem, it can also be a very successful treatment for already-existing cases of hardened scar tissue. In addition, it is far less expensive than considering the possibility of having revision surgery.


A quick wrap up


In conclusion, to help gently break up the excessive scar tissue and release the capsule, the non-surgical capsular contracture treatment, the aspen ultrasound therapy, is a novel non-invasive treatment that combines deep sound wave therapy (ultrasound) with a focused massage. For patients with mild to severe capsular contracture, this procedure can help ease discomfort and hardness and assist the breast implant in assuming a more natural position without requiring additional surgery, which would incur additional costs, a longer recovery period, and additional risks.

Furthermore, you can see treating capsular contracture non-surgically is possible and effective. You can visit West Coast Plastic Surgery Center for ultrasound and various other therapies. Moreover, approximately 80% of their patients report improvements following aspen ultrasound system therapy. So, it is advisable to use this non-invasive method for people suffering from capsular contracture but consult the surgeon first.