Is Capsular Contracture Treatment Painful?

Surgery is performed under anesthesia, allowing you to rest peacefully throughout your procedure and enjoy a pain-free journey. Afterward, you will be prescribed oral painkillers to help keep you at ease as you heal.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You can expect around 4-5 visits for capsular contracture treatment in NYC. In combination with your first consultation, preoperative session, and surgery date, Dr. Antell will see you for a series of follow-up visits. This schedule supports optimal care at every stage.

How Long Until I See Results?

Some patients note an immediate difference in breast softness and contour following their procedure. However, the final result continues to evolve as swelling dissipates and the tissues adapt to their new anatomy. Over the coming weeks and months, the breasts will soften, settle, and refine.

How Soon Can I Travel After Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Travel guidelines depend on the complexity of your surgery and your individual healing progress. Many patients can take shorter local trips relatively early in recovery, while longer-distance travel usually requires additional discussion with Dr. Antell.

What Are the Risks Associated With Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture treatment carries certain inherent risks that may include: Swelling Bleeding Bruising Infection Changes in sensation Asymmetry, scarring Implant-related issues Anesthesia-related complications

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Capsular Contracture?

There is no way to truly prevent capsular contracture from occurring. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of capsular contracture and treatment options for it. These are things to think about when you’re having your initial breast implant surgery: The literature is controversial about whether saline implants or silicone gel implants have a higher rate of capsular contracture. It is also controversial whether smooth versus textured implants have a higher rate of capsular contracture. Implants placed under the muscles are thought to be less likely to develop contracture than implants placed over the muscles. The pectoral muscles massage the implants, which helps the scar tissue to remain soft. Because we now have newer techniques—the no-touch technique and a funnel used to place the implants—the rate of capsular contracture has decreased. In our practice, the rate is substantially lower than in the published literature because of Dr. Antell’s decades of experience and meticulous technique.

Capsular Contracture Treatment New York City, NY

Restore Softness, Comfort, and Shape

Introduction to Capsular Contracture Treatment

After breast augmentation, a thin layer of scar tissue is created around each implant, holding it in place. In most cases, this capsule remains soft and does not cause any issues. However, in a small number of cases, the capsule thickens and tightens, compromising patient comfort and causing aesthetic distortion. To mitigate this concern, Dr. Darrick Antell in New York City can perform capsular contracture treatment to restore your health, appearance, and quality of life.

Elegant dancer with arms raised above head in graceful pose, black and white portrait photography - Capsular contracture treatment in New York, NY

What Is Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Scar tissue normally forms around any implant in the body, and we call that scar tissue the “capsule.” Everyone with breast implants forms a capsule, but in some people the tissue gets thicker, or it shrinks, which is referred to as capsular contracture. It is a potential complication of breast augmentation surgery. However, the rate of capsular contracture is extremely low, substantially lower than that reported in the published literature. We use a “no-touch technique,” which reduces the risk of contamination during surgery. That may be one contributing factor to our higher success rate. During capsular contracture, the tissue begins to squeeze the implants, which can cause discomfort and pain. If you notice discomfort or pain around your implant, or if it feels hard to the touch, it may be because of contracture. Thankfully, Dr. Antell’s capsular contracture treatment in New York City can address this.

What Are the Causes of Capsular Contracture?

A number of factors can cause capsular contracture; the scientific community does not fully understand it—sometimes it can occur in one breast but not the other. While no one completely understands the causes of capsular contracture, some of the suggested possibilities include bacterial contamination, hematoma, breast cancer treatment, genetic predisposition, and random chance.

Capsular contracture can develop when a thin layer of bacteria (called biofilm) forms within the breast pocket. Biofilm can be introduced to the body during the initial breast implant procedure when the implant is inserted into the breast cavity. It can also occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream from a distant site, such as a dental cleaning, a colonoscopy, or an infected toe. Biofilm can cause an infection, which can lead to capsular contracture.

Grades Of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is graded I through IV. The first level of capsular contracture is a soft, normal capsule. The fourth level is a hard, painful capsule.

Grade 1: The breast or breasts are soft and look natural.
Grade 2: The breast or breasts are slightly firm but look normal and natural.
Grade 3: The breast or breasts are firm, look abnormal, and feel uncomfortable.
Grade 4: The breast or breasts are hard, painful, and look abnormal. Grades III and IV capsular contracture are treated with surgery.

Grades III and IV capsular contracture may be treated with surgery. Alternatives to surgery are massaging the breast, and there is an oral medication that may help in approximately 15% of the cases.

Acellular dermal matrix. Of the types of ADM, the two most popular are Alloderm and Strattice. Using those products to line the implant cavity, which requires surgery, has a 99% success rate in preventing capsular contracture. If you’re interested, call Dr. Antell’s office; we have had tremendous success using ADM.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Capsular Contracture Treatment?

To best assess your candidacy for capsular contracture treatment in NYC, Dr. Antell will provide a detailed consultation and medical review. In general, capsular contracture has a number of symptoms:

Significant discomfort or pain
Increased firmness or tightness in the breasts
Hard breasts
A change in breast position or shape
Restricted range of motion
A round or ball-shaped breast
A breast or breasts riding high on the chest wall
Misshapen breast or breasts

What Are the Benefits of Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture can change the way the breasts feel, alter implant position, and lead to concerns that become increasingly bothersome over time. Treatment can tackle these issues comprehensively, providing advantages such as:

Restores softer, more natural breast feel
Enhances breast symmetry and implant position
Reduces tightness and discomfort
Can revise previous breast augmentation results
Heightens confidence and aesthetic satisfaction

Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

How to Begin Your Capsular Contracture Treatment Journey

Capsular contracture consultations with Dr. Antell in NYC entail:

An in-depth review of your medical and surgical history
An assessment of your breast appearance, implant position, and tissue characteristics
A detailed discussion of your concerns and goals
Suggestions regarding potential surgical techniques and complementary procedures
The creation of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and preferences

What to Expect on the Day of Capsular Contracture Treatment

If you notice some of the early signs of capsular contracture, contact Dr. Antell so that he can examine you and suggest proper approaches to treat it. Dr. Antell typically makes incisions in the same place as those made in your original implant surgery. He may also remove the capsule tissue and implant.

Removal of a Portion of Scar Tissue

In milder cases of capsular contracture, especially when caught early, it is sometimes possible to remove a portion of the scar tissue. This method creates more space in the breast pocket and helps correct early capsular contracture.

Secondary Breast Augmentation with a Capsulectomy

In cases of more advanced capsular contracture, the treatment is a capsulectomy, which removes the entire breast implant and the surrounding capsule at once. New implants are placed during this time to meet your aesthetic goals. In some cases, we may recommend an en bloc removal.

Dr Antell in navy suit and tie having serious discussion in office setting - in New York, NY

Capsular Contracture Treatment Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Capsular Contracture Treatment Care

Dr. Antell’s capsular contracture treatment in NYC is an outpatient procedure. Be sure to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for the night. Except for some discomfort and swelling, Dr. Antell will prescribe medication to help you stay comfortable. Soreness and swelling may last for several weeks.

The recovery from breast implant removal is often easier than your first breast implant surgery. You may be able to wear your existing bra, but immediately after surgery, we will place an ACE bandage on you that can be adjusted to any size. You may have full range of motion in your arms—such as reaching for a cupboard—immediately after surgery in most cases. We will discuss this with you in more detail at the time of surgery.

Most people return to desk-type work within a few days. Your breasts will take a few months to settle into their new position fully, but most of the swelling will fade in about 10-14 days. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks. Typically, we recommend walking up to four miles per day the day after surgery.

Combining Capsular Contracture Treatment With Other Procedures

Dr. Antell can perform your capsular contracture procedure in tandem with a range of additional contouring options, including the following:

A mommy makeover is a comprehensive solution for the changes a woman’s body undergoes after pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing.

How Much Does Capsular Contracture Treatment Cost in New York City?

Pricing for capsular contracture treatment in and around New York City, NY, may vary based on your specific goals, the techniques Dr. Antell uses, and whether the doctor pairs your surgery with other cosmetic solutions. You will receive a detailed, personalized quote after your introductory appointment in NYC.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

Dr. Darrick Antell trained at Stanford and Cornell and, as one of the world’s most celebrated plastic surgeons, provides outstanding expertise and experience. Dr. Antell has the extraordinary ability to create remarkable natural-looking results with an array of procedures, both surgical and minimally invasive, that enhance the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Antell will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026.

Dr. Antell provides precise and thoughtful care for patients who are experiencing capsular contracture and offers beautiful breast augmentation results for women who need new implants. Dr. Antell works closely with his patients, treating each individual with care, and he takes as much time as needed for each patient.

If you want to know more about treating capsular contracture in New York City with Dr. Antell, please contact us to schedule your personal consultation.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Capsular Contracture Treatment FAQ’S

Capsular contracture treatment carries certain inherent risks that may include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Changes in sensation
- Asymmetry, scarring
- Implant-related issues
- Anesthesia-related complications
There is no way to truly prevent capsular contracture from occurring. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of capsular contracture and treatment options for it. These are things to think about when you’re having your initial breast implant surgery:

The literature is controversial about whether saline implants or silicone gel implants have a higher rate of capsular contracture. It is also controversial whether smooth versus textured implants have a higher rate of capsular contracture.

Implants placed under the muscles are thought to be less likely to develop contracture than implants placed over the muscles. The pectoral muscles massage the implants, which helps the scar tissue to remain soft.

Because we now have newer techniques—the no-touch technique and a funnel used to place the implants—the rate of capsular contracture has decreased. In our practice, the rate is substantially lower than in the published literature because of Dr. Antell’s decades of experience and meticulous technique.

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I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

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I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

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Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

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Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

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