Breast
Capsular Contracture Revision
Corrects the hardening of scar tissue around a breast implant. Treatment typically requires removing the capsule and replacing the implant.
Overview
Capsular contracture is the hardening of the scar tissue (capsule) that the body forms around a breast implant. In some patients the capsule thickens and tightens over time, which distorts the implant's position and shape and can cause pain. The Baker classification grades severity from I (no symptoms) to IV (painful, visibly distorted). Treatment for clinically significant contracture is capsulectomy — removing the capsule, not just the implant — combined with implant exchange. Replacing the implant alone leaves the underlying scar tissue and increases the likelihood of recurrence.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with hardening, distortion, or pain in a breast with an implant. Capsular contracture is graded on the Baker scale; clinically significant cases (Baker III or IV) typically require surgical correction.
Technique
How it's done.
Capsulectomy — removing the scar tissue, not just the implant — is the appropriate operation. Replacing the implant alone leaves the underlying capsule and increases recurrence. Dr. Azadgoli typically combines capsulectomy with implant exchange and, when indicated, placement-plane changes.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under general anesthesia. Recovery similar to primary augmentation — desk work at one week, exercise at four to six weeks. Final shape settles over three months.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Baker grade III/IV capsular contracture with documented pain or visible deformity is frequently covered by insurance. Our Patient Advocacy team handles photographs, the clinical exam documentation, pre-authorization, and appeals if needed. For grade I/II contracture (no symptoms), coverage is less common; we walk you through the options either way.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will it come back?
Recurrence rates after proper capsulectomy with implant exchange are meaningfully lower than after implant exchange alone. Specific techniques and adjuncts (anti-microbial irrigation, plane changes) further reduce recurrence.
Do I have to keep implants?
No. Many patients choose to explant entirely rather than replace. The right choice depends on what the patient wants long-term.
What causes contracture?
The body forms a capsule around any implant. In some patients the capsule thickens and tightens. The underlying cause is multifactorial and not fully understood. Surface bacteria, low-grade biofilm, and individual immune response are all implicated.
Will insurance cover the correction?
Often, yes — particularly for Baker grade III/IV contracture with documented pain or functional impact. Our advocacy team handles the documentation.
Why not just exchange the implant?
Replacing the implant without removing the contracted capsule leaves the underlying scar tissue in place. Recurrence rates after implant-only exchange are significantly higher than after full capsulectomy.
Can it be prevented in the first place?
Risk is reduced with specific techniques — antimicrobial irrigation, careful tissue handling, smooth-surface implants, and the right plane. But individual patient factors mean prevention is not absolute.
Ready to discuss capsular contracture revision?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation