Results of closed compression capsulotomy for treatment of contracted breast implant capsules.

A prospective study of 544 nonsurgical, closed compression capsulotomies performed on 243 patients for rupture of contracted breast capsule, with at least 1 year follow-up after the last closed capsulotomy procedure, is reported. Two-thirds of the 243 patients maintained softness equal to an unoperated breast for a minimum period of 1 year after the last closed compression capsulotomy. The majority of the patients followed in this study developed breast capsular contracture in less than 12 months after augmentation mammaplasty. The time interval for recurrence of capsular contracture after this first closed capsulotomy correlated closely with the length of time for development of capsular contracture after augmentation mammaplasty. Closed compression capsulotomy will relieve most capsule contractures following augmentation mammaplasty; however, multiple closed capsulotomies may be required to maintain soft breasts, and the patient may require surgical capsulotomy. The procedure offers and alternative to additional surgery or accepting firm breasts and is performed with a minimum of morbidity and financial burden.