Got 1st breast implants in '79. encapsulation, hardness. replaced 9 yrs ago. encap/hardness returned immediately. dr. said results would probably be the same w/a 3rd surgery. is this necessarily true?

Capsular contracture: This condition is known as capsular contracture, occurring as a result of hardening of the scar tissue around the breast implant. This will most likely recur, as people who develop capsular contracture are prone to recurrence. Today there are options, such as tissue substitutes used around the implant, can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. Your plastic surgeon can review your options.

Very possible: Some people are more prone to contracture however there are several factors that can increase the risk of capsular contracture. The type of implant, location of implant and technique of placement can change the risk. Sometimes changing these from what was done in the past can lessen the risk of future contracture. There are also several medications that can used to lessen the risk of contracture.

No but higher risk: It is not necessarily so that you will form a recurrent capsular contracture if you undergo a third procedure but you will be a t higher risk. Things to lower your risk include a sub muscular pocket or neo-pectoral pocket with possible acellular dermal matrix and/or Accolate (zafirlukast) therapy with post-operative implant displacement exercises. See video: http://m.Youtube.Com/#/watch?V=gwndv66zgxy&desktop_u.

Capsular contracture: Most studies have shown that patients who get a capsular contracture are at risk for recurrence. The standard treatment is to remove or release the scar tissue causing the contracture and replace the implant. The only way to completely prevent contractures of breast implants is to remove them. This is not favorable to most patients, but sometimes can be the only alternative. Good luck, dr b.

Use alloderm: While you are at increased risk for capsular contracture recurrence, there are new techniques that plastic surgeons are now using to minimize this. Using alloderm or strattice after the capsule has been removed has been shown to decrease the incidence of contracture. www.rottmanplasticsurgery.com.

Possibly: A recurrent capsular contracture might be reduced by changing the pocket (ie-from beneath the breast to beneath the muscle) or by adding a piece of allograft (ie alloderm). The risk of a recurrence is higher if previous capsular contracture has recurred, but it is not a given. Good luck!