Capsular Contracture Treatment Sydney

Technical Explanation of the Condition and Treatment Options

Capsular contracture treatment in Sydney refers to medical assessment and, where appropriate, surgical management of firm scar tissue that can develop around a breast implant. After breast augmentation or implant-based breast surgery, the body naturally forms a thin capsule around the implant. However, in some patients, this capsule tightens and thickens over time. As a result, the breast may feel firm, look distorted, or become uncomfortable.

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos (FRACS) assesses capsular contracture carefully and tailors management based on implant history, breast anatomy, capsule severity, and your treatment goals. During consultation, Dr Tim discusses diagnosis, surgical options, risks, recovery, and realistic expectations as part of informed consent. Importantly, outcomes vary between individuals.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the normal capsule around the implant becomes excessively tight or thickened. Consequently, it can:

  • change breast shape or position

  • increase firmness

  • create visible distortion

  • cause discomfort or pain (in some cases)

Although capsular contracture can occur at any time, it often develops months to years after surgery.

Common Signs of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture may present with:

  • a breast that feels firm or “hard”

  • a higher-riding implant

  • visible implant distortion

  • round or unnatural breast shape

  • pain, tightness, or tenderness (selected patients)

  • increasing asymmetry over time

If you notice new firmness or distortion, Dr Tim recommends assessment, and imaging may be appropriate in some cases.

How Capsular Contracture Is Graded (Baker Classification)

During your consultation, Dr Tim may discuss the Baker grades:

  • Grade I: breast feels soft and looks natural

  • Grade II: breast feels slightly firm but looks normal

  • Grade III: breast feels firm and looks distorted

  • Grade IV: breast feels hard, looks distorted, and may be painful

In general, Grade III and IV contractures more often require surgical management.

What Causes Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture does not have a single cause. Instead, it likely occurs due to several contributing factors, which may include:

Because the cause may be multifactorial, treatment planning must be individualised.

Capsular Contracture Treatment Options in Sydney

Capsular contracture treatment depends on severity and symptoms. Dr Tim discusses non-surgical strategies when appropriate; surgery remains the main evidence-based treatment for established, significant contracture.

1) Observation and Monitoring (Selected Patients)

For mild capsular contracture with minimal symptoms, Dr Tim may recommend:

  • monitoring over time

  • supportive bras and conservative measures

  • investigation if there is concern for implant rupture or other issues

However, once the capsule tightens significantly, conservative options have limited effectiveness.

2) Capsulectomy (Removal of the Capsule)

A capsulectomy involves removing scar tissue around the implant. Depending on the case, Dr Tim may perform:

  • partial capsulectomy (removing part of the capsule), or

  • total capsulectomy (removing the entire capsule)

Dr Tim selects the safest technique based on anatomy, implant position, tissue quality, and surgical risk.

3) Implant Exchange (Revision Surgery)

In many cases, Dr Tim combines capsule surgery with implant exchange, which may involve:

  • changing implant size, profile, or type

  • adjusting implant pocket location

  • changing implant position (e.g., subglandular to submuscular/subfascial depending on anatomy)

This approach aims to improve breast aesthetics and reduce recurrence risk.

4) Pocket Change / Implant Repositioning

If implant malposition contributes to the problem (or results from the contracture), Dr Tim may recommend:

  • pocket adjustment

  • internal repair techniques

  • reinforcement strategies (selected patients)

This is often relevant in patients with bottoming out, lateral displacement, or asymmetry.

5) Breast Lift (Mastopexy) With Revision (Selected Patients)

If capsular contracture occurs alongside skin stretch, droop, or tissue laxity, Dr Tim may discuss combining revision with a breast lift to improve:

  • shape

  • position

  • nipple symmetry

  • long-term balance

What Is the Goal of Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture treatment aims to:

  • soften the breast

  • restore natural contour and symmetry

  • relieve tightness or discomfort (when present)

  • improve implant position and overall shape

  • reduce recurrence risk (although recurrence can still occur)

Because scar biology varies significantly, no treatment can guarantee that capsular contracture will not recur, and Dr Tim discusses this candidly during consultation.

Recovery After Capsular Contracture Surgery

Recovery depends on the extent of revision surgery performed. In general:

  • swelling and bruising are expected early

  • you may require a support garment or surgical bra

  • physical activity restrictions apply

  • follow-up is important, particularly in revision surgery cases

Dr Tim provides detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.

Risks and Considerations

All surgery carries risks. In capsular contracture revision surgery, risks may include:

  • bleeding or infection

  • scarring and wound healing issues

  • altered nipple sensation

  • asymmetry

  • implant malposition

  • implant rupture (rare)

  • recurrence of capsular contracture

  • need for further revision surgery

Dr Tim will discuss relevant risks based on your anatomy and surgical history.

Book a Consultation

If you are experiencing firmness, discomfort, or breast implant distortion, a consultation allows Dr Tim to assess the cause and discuss appropriate options. Suitability for capsular contracture treatment in Sydney is confirmed during consultation.

Disclaimer:
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. The information provided here is general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified specialist. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, healing, and adherence to post-operative care. A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and realistic expectations during your consultation.

Safety, training and professional standards

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He is also a member and Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Patients can also consult the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) for information on surgical training and standards.

A/Prof. Tim Papadopoulos
Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001160037
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Dr Tim Sydney Plastic Surgeon

About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

learn more

About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

learn more
Dr Tim Sydney Plastic Surgeon
australian society of aesthetic plastic surgeons
australian society plastic surgeons
fracs royal australasian college of surgeons

Why Choose Dr Tim?

A Reputation For Safety
Dr. Tim is a highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon known for his commitment to patient safety, advanced surgical techniques, and meticulous care. He prioritizes evidence-based procedures to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Precision
With an exceptional eye for detail and surgical expertise, Dr. Tim ensures every procedure—whether facelift, body contouring, or breast augmentation—is performed with precision, artistry, and the latest medical advancements.
Your Wellbeing & Comfort
Dr. Tim takes a patient-centered approach, guiding you from consultation to post-operative care. He provides personalised surgical plans to help you make informed decisions, ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout your cosmetic surgery journey.
Professional Integrity
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr. Tim is dedicated to excellence in aesthetic surgery. His contributions to medical education, training future surgeons, and speaking at global conferences reinforce his reputation as a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery.
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