While no vitamin definitively prevents capsular contracture, Vitamin E is widely studied and used for potentially softening scar tissue, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids show promise in reducing inflammation, but always consult your plastic surgeon before starting any supplement due to risks like bleeding or interactions. Some surgeons suggest combinations with pentoxifylline, and other supplements like milk thistle or bromelain are sometimes mentioned, though with less definitive evidence.
Vitamin E, for example, has been studied for its potential to reduce the formation of scar tissue, which is central to capsular contracture. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have been suggested to potentially lower the risk of excessive scar tissue formation.
Use of vitamin E 800-1200 mg orally each day is believed to interfere with the formation of collagen and may soften scar tissue formation and prevent or reduce the symptoms of capsular contracture.
Massage: Gently massaging the breasts while they heal from breast augmentation surgery may help to prevent capsular contracture by encouraging the breast tissue to remain pliable.
Including healthy fats in your diet is crucial for overall health and can potentially play a role in promoting breast fullness. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit breast tissue.
Scientists believe vitamin D may play a crucial role in moderating breast cell growth, specifically stopping the growth of cancer cells. Learn more about how vitamin D benefits breast health and how to get it.
Increases in omega-3 fatty acids were associated with earlier peaks of follicle-stimulating hormone, and later estrogen peaks, as well as increased amplitude of progesterone. Intake of omega-3s was not associated with differences in mean levels of reproductive hormones.
Most cases like these are seen in patients who have had implants in place for over 20 to 25 years and have not taken steps to proactively monitor implant condition. Overtly infected breast implants are fortunately a very rare occurrence but yet another cause of capsular contracture.
BACKGROUND: Leukotriene antagonists zafirlukast and montelukast have been used by plastic surgeons off-label to prevent and treat capsular contracture in breast implant surgery.
Early studies showed a possible beneficial effect of vitamin E on breast pain in premenstrual women who experience breast pain that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle. In one study, 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E taken twice daily for two months improved symptoms in women with cyclic breast pain.
Grade 1: Early Capsular Contracture
For very mild cases, the first step is to begin oral antihistamines to turn down the inflammatory response. The two most common drugs are Singulair and Accolate. The patient takes the med for about 3 months and then is re-evaluated. This can halt the progression of the scar tissue.
In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars. Of the patients studied, 33% developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Therefore we conclude that use of topical vitamin E on surgical wounds should be discouraged.
All breast implants develop some degree of encapsulation as the body heals. This is normal and consists primarily of collagen fibers that hold the implant in place. Trivial contractures that do not cause discomfort or pain and are not aesthetically displeasing do not need any treatment at all.
The most important thing to help implants drop and fluff faster is wearing a compression bra. This garment is typically used after surgery to help reduce swelling and support the breasts. Wearing a compression bra will also help shape and mold the implants into place, speeding up the dropping and fluffing process.
Vitamin A: 10,000–25,000 immunizing units (IU) per day, beginning a week before surgery. This vitamin supports immune system functioning and aids collagen strength. Vitamin C: 500–1,000 mg per day, beginning at least 1 week before surgery. Vitamin C is necessary to build and rebuild collagen throughout the body.
The main signs and symptoms of capsular contracture include:
Physical therapy can be a safe and effective option for treating scar tissue. If you have concerns regarding chronic pain in your joints or muscles, an upcoming surgery, or questions about how to get rid of scar tissue, give us a call or request an appointment to discuss your options.
You may not realize it, but the skin on your body can age just like the skin on your face, becoming stretched and saggy. Regularly applying moisturizers and collagen-boosting serums to your breasts can keep the skin hydrated and improve elasticity and firmness, helping your breasts sit higher, longer.
Once capsular contracture has already happened and it is symptomatic, it is usually managed surgically, with a procedure called capsulectomy or capsulotomy. A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of the capsule. During this procedure, the breast implant is removed and can be replaced if desired by the patient.
It is often possible to visualize the thickened capsules radiologically with a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, although this is not necessary for the diagnosis to be made.
If you are pregnant or nursing a child, if you take medicine that affects blood clotting, if you are allergic to fish or shellfish, or if you are considering giving a child an omega-3 supplement, it is especially important to consult your (or your child's) health care provider.
The findings revealed that exposure to rose otto essential oil led to a significant increase in salivary estrogen levels compared to a control odor.
There's strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. There also appears to be a slight improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol, although an increase in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol also was observed.