Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications following breast augmentation or reconstruction. Scar tissue around a breast implant can tighten, making the breast feel firm, look distorted, or even become painful. At Marina Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, our expert surgical team specializes in treating capsular contracture using proven methods. Whether you're seeking relief after a previous breast surgery or want to feel like yourself again, our goal is to restore comfort, shape, and peace of mind.
When your body heals after a breast augmentation or reconstruction, it naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around the implant, called a capsule. Normally, this tissue stays soft. But sometimes it tightens and squeezes the implant, which is what causes capsular contracture.
This can lead to:
Capsular contracture can happen with both saline and silicone implants and may occur months or even years after the initial operation. While it's not dangerous, it can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable, especially when you've been happy with your results until now.
At Marina Plastic Surgery, we treat capsular contracture through two trusted surgical procedures:
Capsulotomy
This procedure releases or scores the scar tissue without removing it entirely. It's often used in earlier-stage contracture, where firmness is mild to moderate and the implant is still in good condition. By loosening the capsule, we can help the implant sit better and feel softer without needing to remove or replace it.
Capsulectomy
In more advanced cases, or when there's a rupture, pain, or implant shift, we recommend a capsulectomy. This involves removing all or part of the capsule and usually the implant as well. You may choose to replace the implant with a new one or go without implants moving forward. Capsulectomy is often the best long-term solution when scar tissue is thick or when previous surgeries didn't resolve the issue.
Both procedures are done with precision to protect your breast tissue and reduce the risk of future capsular contracture.
Fixing capsular contracture through capsulotomy or capsulectomy in Los Angeles offers more than just cosmetic improvements—it enhances your life. Here's how:
You may be a good candidate for treatment if you:
You're likely not a candidate right now if:
Our team will help you decide if a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is a good fit during your consultation.
Your first step is a one-on-one visit, where we'll talk through your symptoms, go over your surgical history, and review imaging or implant records if you have them. We'll also examine your breast tissue to determine the severity of the contracture and the best surgical plan.
Here's how your consult and prep for treatment will unfold:
This isn't just about fixing a complication—it's about making sure you feel heard, cared for, and completely confident in your care.
Surgical treatment for capsular contracture is handled with care and precision at Marina Plastic Surgery, depending on whether you're having a capsulotomy or a capsulectomy.
If you're a candidate for capsulotomy, the procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with sedation. This technique is ideal for milder cases where the scar tissue isn't too thick or calcified. During the surgery, your surgeon will carefully access the breast pocket and make small incisions in the scar tissue capsule to release tension. The implant stays in place, and there's no need to remove it unless there's a specific issue like implant rupture or visible implant distortion. Because the capsule isn't removed, the recovery tends to be faster, with less swelling and a shorter downtime overall.
For more severe cases, a capsulectomy is typically the better option. This procedure is done under general anesthesia, as it's more involved and requires more time. The procedure begins by reopening the previous incision (whenever possible) to avoid new scarring. Then, he removes part or all of the scar tissue capsule—what we call a total or partial capsulectomy. If you're opting for breast implant removal, the implant is taken out at this time. If you're planning on breast implant replacement, a new implant may be inserted into the same or a newly created breast pocket.
Both procedures are outpatient, and most patients go home the same day with a clear recovery plan in place.
Here's the typical recovery path and what to expect with either procedure:
After treatment, most patients say they feel physically better, emotionally relieved, and confident in their cosmetic results.
Here's what typically goes into the cost of capsular contracture correction:
No two cases are the same—prices vary whether you need capsulotomy, capsulectomy, or implant replacement. During your consultation, Marina Plastic Surgery will provide an itemized estimate. Financing is available to make the best capsular contracture treatment more accessible.
Marina Plastic Surgery is known for its experience with complex breast procedures, including capsular contracture correction. Our expert surgical team brings a high level of skill and attention to each case, using advanced techniques and a personalized approach to help you feel confident in your results. With decades of combined experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, our team knows how to treat capsular contracture effectively and with care.
We follow the Patients for Life® philosophy, focusing not just on the procedure but on your long-term results and well-being. From consultation to recovery, we're here to guide you with clear communication, trusted surgical techniques, and a commitment to comfort, safety, and lasting outcomes.
If you're dealing with discomfort or notice that your breast implant is feeling off, don't wait. Contact Marina Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills today for a personalized evaluation. We will help you choose the best surgical solution—capsulotomy or capsulectomy—for your goals, health, and peace of mind.
Capsular contracture is one of the more common complications that can happen after breast augmentation or breast implant reconstruction. However, when performed with meticulous surgical technique, thoughtful implant placement, and proper post-operative care, the risk can be significantly reduced.
Early stages may soften, but most cases need a surgical procedure to properly correct the hardened tissue.
Massaging the tissue capsule won't remove hardened scar tissue once it's thickened; only surgery can correct it.
Risk factors include bacterial contamination, smoking, unstable implant placement, textured implants, or a history of bacterial contamination.
We do not accept insurance at Marina Plastic Surgery. While some insurance plans may provide partial coverage for medically necessary procedures like implant rupture or pain caused by capsular contracture, our practice operates on a self-pay basis. We’re happy to provide a detailed breakdown of your treatment plan and costs during your consultation.
Discover why people from all 50 states and 63 countries around the world have made the journey to become our Patients for Life®. Schedule your consultation today to experience the industry-defining innovation and dedicated attention to detail of Marina Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles.
Marina Del Rey location
4560 Admiralty Way Suite 256, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Pasadena location