Case #1409 · Beverly Hills, CA
Capsular Contracture Treatment
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This 56-year-old patient from Beverly Hills, CA had capsular contracture and a ruptured implant on her left side. She also felt that her original implants were placed too laterally. Dr. Cassileth performed a removal and replacement of her silicone imp
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Capsular Contracture Treatment.
- Compression bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Drain removal typically days 5–7
- Scar management at 3 weeks; massage protocol depends on plane
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended — supports tissue with reduced blood supply
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on prior scar revision sites
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for tissue recovery after capsulectomy
- Laser or microneedling for scar refinement after 3 months
- LED light therapy weekly
- Aftercare
Active scar treatment delayed by 2 weeks to give revised tissue more time to settle.
Revised tissue tolerates active treatment less well than primary cases.
- Skincare
Layered scar protocol, silicone sheeting under tape, daily for 12 weeks.
Revised scars respond best to sustained, layered pressure therapy.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Revision planning starts with the previous result. Existing scars, tissue thickness, and the original technique determine what can be improved and what is locked.
- Unilateral case, the contralateral side was reviewed pre-op for symmetry goals. The technique was selected to match the untreated side in volume, shape, and position.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Arrange button-front or zip-front tops for the first three weeks, overhead reaching is restricted. A drain holder or apron is provided.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Short walks every couple of hours, no lifting over 5 lb, and full nights of rest. The worst of the swelling peaks around day 3.
- Week 2
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Light cardio and most desk-work activities cleared. Lifting limit increases to 15 lb. Scar massage typically starts now.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
- Month 6
Slower maturation than primary cases, revision tissue keeps refining well past month 6.
“Replacing the implant without addressing the capsule significantly increases recurrence. The capsulectomy is the operation; the implant exchange is the finish.”
Dr. Lisa Cassileth
