What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is the development of scar tissue around the breast implants beyond what is beneficial. Some scar tissue formation is good, as it helps the implants to remain in place and is the natural response of the body to foreign material within it. If the scar formation hardens and develops excessively, then your breasts may feel hardened, and your breasts may appear distorted. There may also be pain associated with scar formation. Everyone heals differently, and their bodies respond in varying ways to a surgical procedure. Connective tissue varies in quality from person to person, so everyone tends to scar in different ways.

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Dr. Christopher Chang founded Congressional Plastic Surgery in 2015 and is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His training includes Harvard College, NYU School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and a fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Dr. Hillary Jenny is a board-eligible plastic surgeon who trained at MIT, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, followed by a fellowship in aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills. She is recognized for delivering natural, individualized results across a range of procedures.

Stages and Types of Capsular Contracture

There is a grading system that shows the relative stages and types of capsular contracture. They are as follows:

Grade 1

Healthy scar tissue forms a capsule around the implant, and the breasts feel soft and have a natural appearance.

Grade 2

Breasts look natural but feel slightly hard as the capsule that has formed is very firm. This may feel uncomfortable, but your breasts will appear normal from the outside.

Grade 3

The capsule is firm, and the shape of the breast is noticeably altered. They may have a distorted appearance or may be oriented oddly, and your breasts will not look similar.

Grade 4

The capsule is causing pain for the patient, and their breasts may feel hard and cold, as well as look misshapen.

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How Is Capsular Contracture Treated?

Dr. Chang's DC capsular contracture treatment is what is termed a capsulectomy, in which the scar tissue is removed from the breast. With this procedure, the implants are often removed, as well as the hardened capsule that has formed. Depending on your specific case, new implants may be reinserted, or implants may be left out.

What Are the Benefits of Treating Capsular Contracture?

There are many benefits to resolving capsular contracture, and treating it early is important. Treating capsular contracture:

  • Allows your breasts to return to their natural softness
  • Removes any pain associated with the capsular contracture
  • Gives you an opportunity to heal properly
  • Prevents symptoms from getting worse
  • Returns your breasts to a more natural shape and appearance
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Am I a Candidate for Capsular Contracture Treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the following, then you may be a candidate for Dr. Chang's capsular contracture treatment in Washington, DC:

  • You have grade 2 or above capsular contracture
  • Your breasts have become hardened or misshapen
  • You have pain in your breasts from capsular contracture
  • The implant edges have become visible on your breasts due to scar tissue formation

There are also other symptoms of capsular contracture, and a consultation with Dr. Christopher Chang is the best way to find out if you have capsular contracture and if you are a candidate for treatment.

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What Is the Recovery Time From a Capsulectomy?

Recovery from a capsulectomy is often similar to the recovery period associated with a breast augmentation procedure. You can expect to feel some discomfort during the first two days, and it may be suggested that you take at least one week off from work to heal and rest. You will be given specific aftercare instructions to follow during this time to help you have a smooth recovery.

You will need to wear a special supportive bra or garments that will support the breasts while they heal. As the procedure varies from person to person, recovery time can vary. The range is four to six weeks, after which you are free to return to more vigorous physical activities, with a week off work, or longer if your job involves more aggressive physical motions.

Testimonials What Our Patient Say

5 out of 5 stars

I'm already loving my results

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the p...

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the procedures (lift + implants) would entail. He was extremely responsive and truly understood the look that I was trying to achieve—full, natural for my frame, and with minimal scarring. I'm only two days out from surgery, and I'm already loving my results. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Chang to restore my chest to its pre-baby appearance. I actually think they are going to be better than they ever were before I had kids!"

Emily L.
5 out of 5 stars

A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doc...

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doctor in this area. Some doctors will put in whatever cc’s you ask for just to please you, and that's exactly what my second doctor wanted to do. I am very petite, and the size I thought I wanted would have been too extreme for my figure. Dr. Chang and his nurse, Kelly, not only made me feel extremely comfortable, but they also listened to what I wanted and explained every single step. Dr. Chang has his 24-hour recovery program, which definitely helped me tremendously. I got my surgery on Thursday and was back to my normal routine by Saturday. If you do what he says, you will see the results. I thought my boobs were going to be up extremely high the first week, but mine looked perfect, and now that they have dropped a bit, no one can tell I got a boob job... I mean, my boobs definitely went from 32A to 32DD, but because I healed so quickly and my boobs were not up to my chin, they just looked like my real boobs. It still looks so natural, and I love it! I knew Dr. Chang was my doctor after my first consultation, and I booked my surgery after a week. I am extremely happy with the results and thankful for Dr. Chang and his crew! His nurse, Kelly, was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process, calling to check on me after my surgery and answering all of my questions! A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!"

Jennifer L.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff.

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy ...

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy and became very self-conscious about my appearance and would only wear conservative, non sexy clothing. I wasn't able to express myself through fashion as gravity often stepped in, causing wardrobe malfunctions as my breasts would often find themselves out of the bra. After years of contemplating breast augmentation and removing the bags under my eyes, I finally got the courage to do something about it, and that's when my friend referred me to Dr. Christopher Chang. As this was a big decision for me, I was very anxious, but Dr. Chang made me feel at ease with the decision I was about to make. In doing so, he carried out a detailed assessment and enquired about my reasoning for wanting the surgery (making clear his ethical stance). At the end of my consultation, I felt I was making an informed decision and that Dr. Chang was the person I would trust to carry out the procedure. He educated me on the pros and cons and on any possible risks involved. The office offered excellent pre- and post-surgery care and guidance. On the day of my surgery, I was greeted by a very pleasant Dr. Chang, who went over the final details of my procedure, which was reassuring. Following my procedure, Dr. Chang kept in frequent contact to check on my progress/recovery and, if I had a question, returned my calls immediately. This made my recovery after the procedure manageable. åWhen I first saw my 'identical twins', I almost dropped; the babies looked so beautiful and perfect. My confidence hit the roof; I felt like 21 again"

Maura B.
5 out of 5 stars

You have definitely boosted my confidence!

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly reco...

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly recommended. I had been considering having a breast augmentation for several years, so when I heard they were hosting a meet-and-greet with the doctors at their Fairfax office, I knew I had to attend. After meeting with Dr. Chang and the staff, I knew I was ready to set up an official consultation! At the consultation, both Dr. Chang and his nurse were a wealth of knowledge. They both made me feel extremely comfortable, and I felt confident in their hands. When I decided to proceed, I came in for my pre-op appointment, where I then tried on different implant sizes to determine what would be the best fit for my body. We decided that 275 ccs would be perfect for me since I am petite. The day of surgery, I was a little nervous but also very excited. Everyone at the hospital was very attentive and had remarkable bedside manners. When I came out of surgery, I had no pain and no discomfort. I felt slight pressure, which was to be expected, but overall, I was surprisingly very comfortable. After surgery, I began my “24-hour recovery”. A few hours after being home and resting, Dr. Chang called to check up on me, which I thought, “wow, what a thoughtful doctor!” The very next day, I went out to lunch with my friend and walked around the mosaic without any discomfort. I never once had to take any pain medicine, as I didn’t feel it was needed. The healing process took no time at all, and I was back to work within a few days. I am so in love with my results, and my confidence has skyrocketed! My new breasts look and feel so natural, and they are exactly what I was hoping for! I am very pleased with my experience from start to finish and am absolutely thrilled. Thank you so much, Dr. Chang. You have definitely boosted my confidence!"

Kathrine G.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing!

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous....

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous. Here I am now, approximately 1 month post op, and couldn't be happier. When I went in for my consultation with Dr. Chang, I felt extremely comfortable. He was very realistic, precise, and generally concerned/wanted the best for me. He and his staff are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also friendly and easy to talk to. On the day of my surgery, both Dr. Chang and his nurse called me to check how I was doing. I was offered the opportunity to be on the 24-hour recovery program, and I don't regret a single painful minute of it. I highly recommend Dr. Chang and his staff. The people are wonderful, and the office is well maintained."

Avril G.
5 out of 5 stars

The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient.

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a ...

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a gifted surgeon. He made the entire process from pre-op to recovery a very positive experience. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Chang. I unequivocally would recommend him for any cosmetic procedures you may be considering. He has a wonderful bedside manner, very engaging and informative, always. He makes you feel you are his only patient, never rushed or hurried. His upbeat and positive outlook is so refreshing. It’s truly a pleasure to be his patient. Nurse Kelly is such an asset to the team. She thoroughly prepares you for each step of the surgical process. Her expertise is very helpful and appreciated. The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient. I wholeheartedly endorse the practice of Dr. Dufresne and Dr. Chang!!"

June P.
5 out of 5 stars

I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang.

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked ...

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked what I wanted my breasts to look like post-surgery, which made me very comfortable. After analyzing my measurements, we discussed the size of implants to be used. Dr. Chang explained the no-touch technique he uses, which reduces some of the risks associated with the surgery. He also said I would be a candidate for the 24 hr recovery process, which is very appealing to me, given my busy schedule. I am confident that Dr. Chang will help me achieve the look that I've been dreaming of for years. This is my fourth consultation, and I've finally found the doctor I trust to perform this surgery. All of my worries have been put to rest, and I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang."

Maurey F.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable!

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups....

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups. Yes, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Chang. I can’t thank you enough for what he has done for me."

V T.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang!

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first ...

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first consultation, I knew immediately he was the surgeon I wanted to do my procedure with! He was very easy to talk to and straight to the point with things. If you had any questions, he/his staff were happy to answer them. His staff was extremely professional, and I felt comfortable around them. Dr. Chang wants the best for you, especially if you are looking for a "natural look." He recommended what he thought would look best on me, and we compromised with his recommendations and my expectations. I was really nervous a day or two before the surgery, thinking maybe it wouldn't turn out to be what I wanted to look like. But I think everyone goes through this. The day of the procedure was calming - everyone was a pleasure to speak to, and after waking up from the surgery, I felt a little delusional (from the anesthesia, of course) but shortly after felt okay! Maybe it's because I have a higher pain tolerance, or Dr. Chang is THAT good (or both!), but I didn't need many drugs besides some ibuprofen for slight pain. I'm about one week post-op and am super happy with the results so far. Any unsure thoughts I had previously have been proved wrong, and I am ecstatic about that! I would 100000% recommend Dr. Chang—you are in great hands with him. I can't wait to see what my breasts look like when they fully heal and settle. Definitely one of the best decisions I've made for myself :) Thank you, Dr. Chang!"

Ashley P.
5 out of 5 stars

I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang.

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for ap...

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for appointments and/or questions. Dr. Chang made me comfortable right from the start. His nurse, Kelly, was very informative and comforting, and helped me with a few of my decisions. Dr. Chang took the time to understand my concerns and to understand completely what my expectations were. I had things about my first surgery that I was not pleased with, and he made a point to make sure these issues were corrected. In the end, I am 100% satisfied with my results. I couldn't be happier. I am glad for the relationship I have formed with this practice. If I ever have a need for their services in the future, I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang."

Leigh D.
5 out of 5 stars

I will absolutely recommend people to you :)

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about ...

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about the IV afterward, but the pain mess finally kicked in, and I’m feeling much better now. :) Please tell all the nurses they were so helpful, and I really appreciate them. Being so patient with me! You are excellent, and I am so happy I chose to do this with you. Again, I really appreciate all your attention to detail and care. I will absolutely recommend people to you :)"

Female (21, breast augmentation)
5 out of 5 stars

You’re the best!

I hope you’re doing ok... I love my new breasts, Dr.... You’re the best....

Female (36, breast augmentation)
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Why Choose Dr. Christopher Chang for Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Dr. Christopher Chang has helped many women resolve the uncomfortable symptoms and unpleasant appearance of breast implants that have developed capsular contracture and can provide you with information on treatment. If you see changes in your implants and suspect capsular contracture, then Dr. Christopher Chang will be able to discover the extent of the problem and craft the best treatment plan for you. If you are already a patient of Dr. Chang’s, then he will be able to monitor your breasts over time to discover whether or not capsular contracture is developing. Feel confident in knowing that your breast implants are healthy and normal, and take steps to ensure your wellness by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Chang, a top DC breast augmentation and enhancement surgeon.

Capsular Contracture Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

What causes capsular contracture to develop?

It is caused by an overactive immune response, often triggered by microscopic bacteria, post-surgical fluid collection, genetic factors, or an implant rupture.

Can I change my implant size or type during surgery?

Yes. Capsular contracture revision is an ideal time to change implant size, switch fill types, or combine the procedure with a breast lift.

What is the difference between total and partial capsulectomy?

A total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule of scar tissue around the implant, while a partial capsulectomy removes only the thickened or symptomatic portions.

Can capsular contracture return after treatment?

There is a small risk of recurrence if new implants are inserted. Precise surgical techniques and placing implants in a fresh pocket help significantly reduce this risk.

Will there be scarring?

There may be scarring if new incision sites are required for your treatment. This will be discussed with you beforehand, but it is common to create the incisions at the pre-existing scar line so that additional scars are not created.

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