Capsular Contracture and Breast Implant Illness
Breast Implant Complication Treatment
Overview
While breast implants are a valid, trusted choice for many women, over time, some develop complications related to the implants. These often show up as painful scar tissue hardening around the implant, a condition called capsular contracture, or a range of unexplained systemic symptoms increasingly known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
The Plastic Surgery Center offers comprehensive treatment for both capsular contracture and BII, from complete implant removal and capsulectomy to permanent, implant-free restoration using your own tissue, with specialists equipped to treat implant complications at the highest level of care.
Summary
Common Breast Implant Complications
Capsular Contracture
When the scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant becomes abnormally thick, hard, and tight, it causes the breast to feel firm or painful, look distorted, or shift out of position, a condition known as capsular contracture. It tends to worsen over time and often recurs after standard revision surgery, because replacing the implant doesn't remove the original cause.
You may be experiencing capsular contracture if:
- One or both breasts feel unusually hard, tight, or painful
- Your implant has changed position or looks distorted or misshapen
- You have been through one or more revision surgeries and the problem has returned
- You've been told you have Baker Grade III or IV contracture
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness describes a collection of systemic symptoms that some women experience while breast implants are in place, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, skin changes, hair thinning, and more. Because BII is not yet a formally classified diagnosis, many patients spend years seeking answers without finding them. If your symptoms began or worsened after implant placement and have no other explanation, a consultation with a specialist is the right next step. You may be experiencing BII if:
- You have chronic fatigue, brain fog, or joint pain you cannot fully explain
- You've developed skin rashes, hair thinning, or hormonal changes since your augmentation
- You've seen multiple physicians without a clear diagnosis
- Your symptoms improve when you're away from stress but consistently return
Questions about treatments and procedures?
What to Expect
Your care begins with a thorough consultation. Your surgeon will review your implant and health history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and may order imaging, including an MRI to assess implant integrity and capsule condition, or lab work to support the evaluation. You will leave with a clear understanding of what is happening and your options.
Treatment is tailored to your specific situation and may include one or more of the following:
Capsulectomy (Total or En Bloc): Complete removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue capsule. For capsular contracture patients, this addresses the underlying cause rather than simply managing it with another revision. For BII patients, clearing all implant materials removes potential sources of ongoing immune activation.
Explant Without Reconstruction: Some women choose to have their implants removed without replacing them. A breast lift may be performed at the same time to address skin laxity and improve contour.
All Me Augmentation™: For women who want to restore breast volume after explant without returning to any implant, All Me Augmentation™ provides a permanent, natural-tissue solution. Using advanced DIEP flap microsurgery, the breast is rebuilt with the patient's own living abdominal tissue, delivering soft, permanent results with no implant, no maintenance, and no future device-related concerns.
Your Consultation
Are you experiencing breast firmness, pain, distortion, or systemic symptoms you suspect may be related to your implants? Our surgeons are here to give you honest, clear answers and help you understand every available option, without pressure.
Questions
about this procedure?
Recovery &
Results
Recovery varies based on which procedure or combination of procedures is performed.
For capsulectomy or explant alone, most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery in 3 to 4 weeks. For patients who also undergo All Me Augmentation™, recovery typically extends to 6 to 8 weeks, reflecting the more comprehensive nature of the procedure. Swelling and discomfort are normal in the early weeks and resolve gradually with proper care and your surgeon's guidance.
Results are meaningful and lasting. Capsular contracture patients are freed from the cycle of revision surgery. BII patients frequently report significant symptom improvement. Women who choose All Me Augmentation™ experience permanent, natural-looking breast restoration with no implant to replace or maintain.
Our Gallery
Hamid Abdollahi
MD, FACS
Russell Ashinoff
MD, FACS
Eric I. Chang
MD, FACS
Kari L. Colen
MD, FACS
Joseph Dayan
MD
Stephen Dudick
MD
Patrick Greaney
MD, FACS
Ritwik Grover
MD, FACS
Sean Herman
MD, FACS
Zuhaib Ibrahim
MD, FACS
Matthew Kaufman
MD, FACS
Chris Lakhiani
MD, FACS
Matthew Lynch
MD
Ahmed Nasser
MD
Robert T. Nevitt III
MD
Tushar Patel
MD, FACS
Sidney Rabinowitz
MD, FACS
David Rayfield
MD
Michael Rose
MD, FACS
Adam Saad
MD, FACS
Tzvi Small
MD, FACS
Hakan Usal
MD
Eric Wimmers
MD, FACS
Mark Yazid
MD, FACS
Karen Kaplan
MD
Lauren Otaguro
MDFinancing & Insurance
Coverage for breast implant complication treatment varies by provider, plan, and diagnosis. Capsulectomy performed for a documented medical indication, such as significant capsular contracture, may be eligible for partial insurance coverage. Elective or cosmetic components are typically not covered.
Our team will verify your benefits before scheduling anything and help you understand your financing options so you can focus on your care.
To learn more about our cosmetic and reconstructive surgery options, please get in touch with us today at 833-615-2621.
Our Process
During your consultation, our expert surgeons will work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve and help you prepare for your breast explant surgery procedure.
Your Options
We will review and explain the different procedure options and identify which is right for you.
Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.
Breast Implant Complication Treatment Near NJ
First Floor, STE 200 Red Bank, NJ 07701
Financing & Insurance
Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.
Get the Care You Need Today
If you're experiencing breast implant complications and are interested in exploring treatment options, we invite you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons today.