Capsular Contracture Correction Recovery

December 19, 2025 | Capsular Contracture Correction
5 minute read

Capsular contracture can interrupt your life with pain, discomfort, and an unnatural breast appearance. This blog will discuss capsular contracture and its treatment, as well as recovery and prevention.

Table of Contents

• What Is Capsular Contracture?
• Degrees of Capsular Contracture
• What Are the Benefits of Total Capsulectomy?
• Capsular Contracture Correction Recovery Timeline
• Can Capsular Contracture Be Prevented?

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications that can develop in breast implants. After breast augmentation surgery, part of the natural healing process involves the body forming a “capsule” of scar tissue around each breast implant. This is the immune system’s response to a foreign object it has detected—since it cannot remove the implant, it holds it in place and keeps it separate from the body’s other tissues.

Usually, this works out perfectly for breast augmentation patients. The capsule holds the implants in place for years, even decades, without issue. But some patients develop capsular contracture: when the capsule, or scar tissue, hardens, thickens, or begins to constrict the breast implants, causing discomfort, pain, and a distorted breast appearance. Typically, contracture occurs during the healing process or within two years after the breast implants were first placed.

Degrees of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture can vary in severity among patients. The grading system used to rate the condition is called the Baker scale:

• Grade I: No contracture detected—the breasts appear natural-looking and feel soft.
• Grade II: Breasts look normal visually but feel noticeably firm when touched. The breast shape is not distorted.
• Grade III: The breasts feel firm and are visually distorted. One or both breasts may look overly round, sit higher on the chest, or present with a misshapen nipple. This degree of contracture rarely causes pain.
• Grade IV: Breasts are hard and misshapen. Patients often report breast soreness, with their breasts being tender or painful to the touch.

Grades III and IV require surgical intervention.

What Are the Benefits of Total Capsulectomy?

A total capsulectomy is a surgical technique that involves removing the old breast implants and the entire scar capsule from the patient’s body. While other capsular contracture treatments exist, such as removing only part of the capsule or making an incision to release pressure (capsulotomy), these methods are less thorough and may not prevent future complications.

A total capsulectomy removes all abnormal tissue and contaminants from the body. This method also:

• Improves comfort – This surgery relieves pain and discomfort by removing the entire capsule, enhancing comfort and quality of life.
• Improves the breast appearance – Total capsulectomy restores a natural appearance to the breast and eliminates distortion caused by the hardened scar tissue capsule.

Capsular Contracture Correction Recovery Timeline

While each patient heals at their own unique pace, you can generally expect the following timeline for recovery from capsular contracture treatment.

Initial Recovery

• In the first few days, bruising, swelling, and discomfort are to be expected and can be managed with over-the-counter medications, like TYLENOL® and Advil.
• You’ll wear a surgical bra to minimize swelling and protect your healing breasts.
• You should take short walks around your house to help prevent blood clots, but you must avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and raising your arms above shoulder level.

Returning to Your Daily Routine

• Most patients can return to work at a desk job after a week, depending on their personal readiness and the physical demands of their job.
• You can most likely resume low-impact exercise after about four weeks, but always check with your surgeon first.
• You’ll need to continue avoiding strenuous activity and raising your arms above your shoulders for at least six weeks.

Long-term Recovery

• Your full results will initially be obscured by swelling, but will become more visible as it subsides, usually after about two to three months.
• It is recommended to avoid underwire bras for three to six months to allow your breasts to settle into their final position.

Can Capsular Contracture Be Prevented?

While it is not possible to prevent capsular contracture for every patient, there are steps that can reduce the risk of its occurrence:

• Choosing the correct implant size. If a too-large implant is placed in a patient with insufficient natural breast tissue, the risk of capsular contracture increases significantly. Instead, a mid-sized implant or one proportionate to your body is recommended to allow the skin to stretch and adjust appropriately.
• Minimizing pre-operative implant handling. The more an implant is touched before being placed into a patient’s breast, the higher the risk of bacterial contamination and contracture. Board-certified plastic surgeons are trained to keep this in mind and are required to operate in a sterile facility.
• Opting to have breast implants placed under the muscle. Submuscular breast implant placement is historically associated with a lower degree of capsular contracture risk. In addition, modern techniques like subfascial plane placement may also lower the risk of capsular contracture.

Learn More About Capsular Contracture Correction in Newport Beach

If you are struggling with capsular contracture, seek the input of a highly qualified surgeon. Dr. Nirav Savalia is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, specializing in complex breast revision surgeries. His priority is always the safety and comfort of his patients, and he has helped hundreds of women treat capsular contracture, walk away with beautiful, natural-looking results, and restore their quality of life.

To request your private consultation, call Savalia Plastic Surgery today at (949) 759-0980 or fill out the contact form.