Capsular Contracture Revision in Seattle

Breast implants are designed to look natural. In case you have noticed any hardening, tightening, or a change in shape, you might be experiencing capsular contracture. This condition can interfere with your everyday life, such as exercising, sleeping, or choosing your outfit.

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sajan focuses on bringing back your comfort and natural appearance. The choices may include an open capsulectomy and implant replacement if necessary.

Following breast augmentation, the body typically forms a thin "capsule" of scar tissue around the implant. Capsular contracture is a situation in which the capsule hardens and becomes thicker, thereby pressing the implant and altering the appearance of the breast. The occurrence of capsular contracture varies depending on the kind of implant and history, but it can be managed with the right plan.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Firmness or hardening that wasn’t present before
• Tightness or discomfort, sometimes progressing to pain
• Visible distortion or asymmetry
• Implant displacement (riding high, shifting outward, or looking “ball-like”)
• Unnatural appearance or a breast that feels different from the other side

Our Seattle plastic surgeon evaluates capsular contracture using the following grading system:

• Grade I: Breast feels soft and appears natural.
• Grade II: Slight firmness, normal appearance.
• III: Firm breast with visible distortion.
• Grade IV: Hard, painful breast with severe distortion.

Dr. Javad Sajan offers various surgical approaches to target the scar tissue.

Open Capsulotomy

It is used for implants placed above the muscle with no signs of leakage or rupture. Through a small, precise incision, our surgeon releases and expands the tight capsule and creates a slightly larger pocket so the implant can sit comfortably. The incision is then closed for a smooth contour.

Capsulectomy

Recommended when there is implant leakage, trauma, or a thick, distorted capsule. Our surgeon removes the scar capsule and the affected implant, places a new implant in the optimized pocket, and closes the incision to support a balanced shape.

An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia or IV sedation and anesthesia, and you are monitored closely from start to finish for safety and comfort.

Most patients need one to two weeks for initial recovery. Expect mild soreness and bruising at first. A compression garment is typically worn for several days to limit swelling and support healing. Many people feel ready to return to desk work in about one week. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for approximately six weeks to protect your result.

You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions, when to take oral and topical medications, and your follow-up schedule with Dr. Sajan. Final results are usually visible at around three months once swelling and bruising have resolved. At that point, your breasts should look and feel soft and natural again.

Yes, especially when it’s identified early. Mild tightening (typically Baker Grade II) may respond to a conservative plan that can include ultrasound-assisted therapy, guided aftercare (only when appropriate), and anti-inflammatory measures to reduce capsule stiffness and help restore softness. Your surgeon’s exam determines whether a non-surgical path is likely to help or if changes suggest a more definitive approach.

For moderate to severe contracture (Grades III–IV), lasting improvement usually requires surgery and, when indicated, implant exchange and soft-tissue reinforcement to lower recurrence risk. Dr. Sajan will tailor your plan to your anatomy and goals, so correction and aesthetics are addressed together.

• 24/7 support: Direct after-hours support from Dr. Javad Sajan for questions, reassurance, and timely guidance.
• Three-stage recovery garments: Purpose-built compression at each healing phase to enhance comfort, contour, and implant stability.
• Ultrasonic lymphatic massage (optional): Provider-recommended add-on to help reduce swelling and support a smoother recovery.
• Five-phase scar care protocol: A structured, start-to-finish plan to support healthy scar maturation and refined results.

Comprehensive Consultation

Your visit begins at our Seattle office with a focused evaluation that includes a physical exam, a review of your implant history and prior surgeries, and a detailed discussion of symptoms, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

Customized Surgical Plan

Based on your exam, we create a tailored strategy that may combine capsule management, pocket modification, or repositioning, and implant exchange when beneficial. We also plan recurrence-prevention measures.

Surgical Revision

Your procedure is performed in our Seattle facility. We use meticulous techniques to remove or release the tight capsule, optimize the pocket, and refine breast shape and balance.

We schedule structured follow-ups to track healing, adjust aftercare, and confirm that shape, symmetry, and comfort are steadily improving.

During capsular contracture revision, we also plan the prevention and give you detailed instructions.

Implant Positioning

Contracture is the most common when implants are placed above the chest muscle. So if you had a contracture before, we generally move the implants back under the muscle. When the breast is covered with more soft tissue, the risk of future tightening is minimized.

Implant Selection

Where a new implant is required, cohesive silicone gel will most likely be recommended. We will determine the implant volume and projection according to your chest width, skin condition, and goal so that the pocket is neither too tight nor too large.

Drains

Implant fluid may cause scar tissue to grow around the implant area. We put small and short-term drains after your revision to take off the extra fluid and enable the pocket to recover evenly. The situation when the drains are usually taken off is after a few days, once the output is at a minimum.

Guided Massage

Massage allows the pocket to stay soft, but the correct timing and technique are important. Approximately two weeks post-surgery and safe, you will be guided on gentle, step-by-step massage methods tailored to your implants and pocket. The idea of the work is to use light, consistent motion rather than pressure, with a daily frequency that suits your recovery.

Your Personalized Prevention Plan

This plan is essential in controlling swelling. We are always ready to answer your questions to help you feel supported at every step.

In certain cases, limited to early-stage or mild situations, a cautious approach with the use of ultrasound therapy may be considered. Our surgeon will guide you regarding the timing so it complements your revision, not replaces it, when surgery is clearly indicated.

How Ultrasound Helps

Focused sound waves are delivered in short, controlled sessions. This can:

• Improve blood flow and oxygenation
• Encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid retention
• Soften and remodel tight scar tissue around the implant
• Support healthy cellular turnover and tissue healing
• Reduce tenderness associated with capsule tightening

These treatments are non-invasive, performed in the office, and require no anesthesia.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ultrasound is often suitable for patients with early signs of tightening or as an adjunct after revision to support recovery. If you have a very firm, distorted breast, significant pain, or suspected implant rupture, surgical revision is usually the most predictable path. We will assess your grade, implant position, and overall health to recommend the right treatment.

What to Expect

There is no downtime. We may pair ultrasound with compression, medication as prescribed, and guided massage at the correct stage of healing to protect results and reduce recurrence risk. We will explain where ultrasound fits in your plan, outline expected benefits, and make sure each step supports a soft, natural shape after capsular contracture revision.

The cost of capsular contracture revision varies based on:

• Complexity of your case
• Type of implants selected
• Additional procedures needed

We’ll be able to provide a personalized estimate once Dr. Sajan evaluates your case and determines the best surgical approach. For a general idea of pricing, you can also get an instant quote using our price simulator!

At Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, we proudly serve patients from Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, Everett, and throughout Western Washington. Our team helps coordinate travel-friendly appointment times so your visits fit your schedule.

Whether you are local or coming from out of town, we are here to make your experience smooth from your first call to your final follow-up.

Meet with Dr. Javad Sajan to review your symptoms, grade severity, and map a clear plan. Both in-person and virtual consultations are available. We will review your history, answer every question, and map next steps, including timing, recovery, and costs, so you know exactly what to expect. Call us at (206) 209-0988 or book online!

How do I know if I have capsular contracture?

Common signs include breast firmness, pain, distortion, or changes in implant position. Schedule a consultation for a proper diagnosis.

When should capsular contracture be treated?

Treatment is recommended for Baker Grade III or IV contractures or when experiencing pain or dissatisfaction with appearance.

What's the success rate for revision surgery?

With modern techniques, success rates are often high, with low recurrence when performed by experienced Seattle surgeons.

Can I change my implant size during revision?

Yes, many patients choose to adjust size, switch implant types, or update to newer generation implants.