Topic: Capsular contracture

From what I understand, the breast area becomes increasingly hard and painful as the contractures surround and squeeze the implant more and more.    The implant is placed in a pocket created by the PS, and then fibrous tissue forms naturally around it.   I think that the only time it gets to be a problem is when the fibrous tissue contracts so much that the whole area becomes hard and ball-shaped.   Anyone else have any personal experience they can share on this? 

I had grade 2 contracture with my saline implant. it was firm but not painful. After the exchange to silicone...I massaged daily...and this one is good.

I hope you get along well.

Well, I think I have CC, but my plastic surgeon hasn't said as such.  However, he did prescribe Accolate, which I have taken for two months.  It has done nothing and the problem is continuing to worsen.  Implant looks slightly distorted and dislocated.  Cleavage area feels more pressure and the implant is firmer.  Looks more egg shaped and cleavage becoming uneven as a result.  Next appt. with PS is end of July and I'm to continue medication until then.  I'm considering a 2nd opinion in the meantime.  While I'm not happy with the change in appearance, the main issue is pain.  I can't go on indefinitely like this.

Anne:  It's a new "theory" and my ps brought it up on my last visit.. Some how the ashma meds (they have prednisones and cortisones steriods etc in them) can help "break" the capsule and therefore relieve the contracture.. It's too new a theory to have much backing yet... but it is getting out there!!!

Oh, please don't get me going on this . . .   When I started med I scheduled 3 month follow-up appt. as indicated by PS and was told to call back after 1st month and report whether I noticed change.  I did so and was told to take another month.  Just called the day before yesterday to report no change again after month 2 and was told PS wants me to continue another 6 mths.  What!!??  Oh, and even with my insurance, it still costs $144.80 for a 45 day supply.  I raised a fuss and nurse said I could keep July appt.  I am definitely getting 2nd and 3rd ops on this.  I don't feel my condition is being taken seriously.  I'm in pain and it's not getting better.  The thing is, I know this PS performed a capsulectomy on my friend who had CC, and she had her exchange surgery a week after me.  So, all the BS the dr's nurse is feeding me about the dr. not doing surgery this early isn't flying.  I am so frustrated and angry.  

One thing, if the nurse (since the dr. won't get on the phone) would at least explain 1) why the med is being prescribed (he hasn't actually said I have CC, so why is he giving me this drug and say it may provide relief), 2) how does this drug work with CC -- can you tell right away whether it's going to work (sort of what he implied in the beginning when he prescribed); and 3) If it works as a drug taken long term and helps "break" the capsule, is that why he's suggesting continuing for another 6 mths?  I ask you, why can't I just get the facts?  I am a calm, rational, and intelligent woman who cares about her body and wants to know.  However, I am growing weary and getting irritable. 

Accolate is not a steroid, it blocks leucotrienes (sp?) and provides an anti-inflammatory response.  I use singulair for asthma (which is similar to accolate) and my PS said that it may help to prevent CC.  Vitamin E is also touted as helping with CC.  I would do the compression exercises (of course, check with your PS) and see if the combination helps.  Best wishes

BTW, singulair is to be taken on an empty stomach before bed.  I think it's effect is reduced by food so that may also be the case for accolate????? 

I have capsular constracture. A different ps says I will have to start from scratch again and then there is no guarantee it wont happen again.