How can one avoid capsular contracture after a breast implant?

Some surgeons usually insert a breast implant with a smooth texture to avoid this complication, or the implant can be placed underneath the muscles. Neither is foolproof and there is no guarantee against development of contracture.

I have recently had breast implants and have heard that the capsule contracture can occur in future. Is there any way of knowing when this will occur?

Capsule contracture is a common complication and over time at least 10-30% of women develop the condition. Anecdotal reports indicate that capsular contraction can present anytime after the third year of breast implant. Capsular contraction is simply excess scar formation around the capsule of the implant. The scar becomes thick and hard. The female will complain of intermittent pain and altered texture of the skin. Distortion of breast tissue is sometimes visible. When the pain is excessive, surgical removal of scar tissue is required. In the unfortunate female with recurrent capsular contractures, the implant has to be permanently removed. It is hard to predict who will develop capsular contracture. MRI can identify the problem.

My surgeon is insisting that I have breast reduction surgery. I am puzzled by the rush. Do you have any thoughts?

Dump the bum. All women should understand that breast reduction is an elective procedure and therefore, should not be rushed. Before you undergo this surgery, find about more about the procedure and the surgeon. Ask where you will undergo the surgery and who will give you anesthesia. Breast reduction may require an overnight stay in a hospital.  Finally, get the costs. There are many excellent surgeons who regularly perform breast reduction surgery and so the onus is on to you to ask questions; but if you are ever in doubt get a second opinion.

I am 19 years old and am thinking about a breast reduction. Do you think this is okay?

Breast reduction should not be done before the age of 20-22 because the breasts are still growing. The surgery for breast reduction is best done when the breasts have reached their maximum growth at around the age of 25. In very rare cases, breast reductions are done in school-aged females who encounter humiliation and stress from their colleagues because of large breasts. Another common reason to delay breast reduction is soon after pregnancy. The breast swelling that occurs during pregnancy often subsides within 3-6 months. Pregnancy can also lead to changes in the shape, size, texture, contour and cause sagginess of the breasts. It is better to complete all child bearing before one decides to undergo breast reduction. After breast reduction, you do need at least 4-6 weeks to fully recover.

Besides cosmesis, are there any other reasons why women undergo breast reduction surgery?

Each year approximately 100,000 women undergo breast reduction procedures due to large uncomfortable breasts. Besides poor cosmesis, women with large breasts also suffer from several health problems like 1) neck and back pain 2) pain along the bra straps 3) deep grooves from bra straps 4) poor slouching posture 5) recurrent skin infections or rashes along the breast creases 6) low self esteem, 7) isolation and depression and 8) having difficulty finding proper sized clothes.

I am a 26 year old female with large breasts and do not feel sexy at all. In fact I am embarrassed and feel like undergoing breast reduction surgery. Should I go for it?

Many women seek breast reduction surgery for large breasts. It is a myth that having large breasts is always associated with feeling sexy. In fact some women feel ridiculed or embarrassed as being regarded as "sex objects " or "easy" simply because they have large breasts. However, just like breast augmentation, the results after breast reduction depend a lot on the experience of your surgeon. Breast reduction is a delicate art and generally produces excellent cosmetic results (unless you pick a bad surgeon-and there are plenty of those around).

My doctor says he will perform a breast biopsy using MRI. Is this really necessary?

In some women, the mass may be very small and difficult to easily access blindly. Thus, an MRI breast biopsy may be required.  MRI is a very sophisticated radiological imaging device that can identify very small breast lesions. Prior to the procedure, you will be asked to like down on a flat table and an MRI of the breasts is obtained. Once the lesion has been documented, it is mapped out and marked. A small needle is inserted into the mass and a biopsy is performed. This procedure does not take more than 20-30 minutes, is not painful but MRI is expensive. Perhaps you should ask your doctor why he cant do the biopsy using ultrasound. Doctors do tend to order expensive tests, especially when you have great insurance!