Case 43 Answer 2

The capsule is heavily calcified (capsular contracture or encapsulation). This is a common complication in which the capsule calcifies and hardens. The implant becomes rock-hard and fixed (ie. implant displaced (ID) views may become impossible).

Both these patients also had prepectoral implants, so that answer is also correct.

Capsular contracture can be painful. It can be treated with closed capsulotomy, where the plastic surgeon manually breaks the capsule, and with open capsulotomy, in which the capsule is surgucally excised.

Here is one last example:

What do you think happened to this patient?

• Silicone implant rupture
• Saline implant rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Implant removal
• Both capsular contracture and implant removal