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Breast Revision Surgery in Houston, Texas: Fixing Capsular Contracture and Other Issues

Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on July 1st, 2025

Breast Revision Surgery in Houston, Texas: Fixing Capsular Contracture and Other Issues

Breast revision surgery in Houston helps women who have had previous breast implants but are now having problems like capsular contracture, implant rupture, discomfort, or changes in breast shape. This surgery gives people a chance to fix pain or cosmetic concerns and restore their confidence. For many, issues such as tightness, hardening, or unevenness can make daily life uncomfortable and impact self-esteem. Local plastic surgeons in Houston offer treatment options for these concerns, including removing scar tissue or updating the implants to a better size or style.

Key Takeaways of Breast Revision Surgery in Houston, TX

  • Common issues like capsular contracture, ruptured implants, or unwanted changes in appearance can be effectively corrected with revision procedures.
  • When scar tissue hardens around an implant, it can cause pain, tightness, or distortion, requiring capsulectomy or implant replacement for relief.
  • Treatments range from implant removal and replacement to breast lifts or correction of implant position, depending on the concern.
  • Many patients choose to change implant size, switch to a different material, or add a breast lift for a more youthful, balanced appearance.
  • Experience and credentials matter most in revision cases, qualified surgeons ensure better care, fewer risks, and results that reflect each patient’s goals.

Capsular Contracture and Related Breast Implant Issues

Capsular contracture and other breast implant complications can cause pain, changes in appearance, and even require more surgery. It’s important to know what they are, how they happen, and what signs to watch for.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a common problem after breast augmentation with implants. The body forms a layer of scar tissue, called a capsule, around every breast implant. In most cases, this capsule is soft and not noticeable.

Sometimes, however, this scar tissue becomes hard and tightens around the implant. This can lead to discomfort, pain, or visible changes in the breast shape. The breast may look or feel firmer than usual.

There are different grades of capsular contracture, from mild to severe. Severe cases can make the breast feel hard, look uneven, or even cause pain when moving or touching the area. Many patients with this condition need help from a specialist or breast revision surgery to fix the problem.

Common Causes and Symptoms

Capsular contracture is usually caused by the body’s natural reaction to a foreign object such as breast implants. Factors that can contribute to this issue include infections, bleeding, or a ruptured breast implant. Silicone and saline implants both carry some risk.

Early signs often include swelling, mild discomfort, or tightness in the breast. As the scar tissue gets thicker, the symptoms get worse. These may include firmness, changes in breast shape, pain, or the breast sitting higher on the chest.

Doctors use a grading system, from Grade I to Grade IV, to classify how bad the capsular contracture is. Grade I means no problems, while Grade IV is the most serious, with hard, painful, and misshapen breasts.

Other Breast Implant Complications

Besides capsular contracture, patients can face other issues with breast implants. These can include implant rupture, where the saline or silicone inside the implant leaks out. When this happens, the size or shape of the breast may change. With saline implants, the breast often gets smaller quickly, while silicone ruptures may be harder to notice.

Implant rippling is another possible problem. This means you can see or feel folds or wrinkles in the implant, usually near the skin’s surface. Other complications are asymmetry (when breasts are uneven), swelling, infection, and symmastia, where the breasts appear joined together without a clear space in between.

Indications for Breast Revision Surgery in Houston

Breast revision surgery can address problems like capsular contracture, ruptured implants, pain, or changes in breast appearance over time. The decision to have revision surgery depends on symptoms, physician recommendations, implant age, or personal preferences.

When to Consider Revision Surgery

People consider breast revision surgery for several reasons:

  • Capsular contracture: This is when scar tissue tightens around the implant, making the breast hard or painful. A revision helps by removing the tight tissue and improving comfort
  • Implant rupture or deflation: If an implant bursts or leaks, surgery replaces it to restore shape and feel
  • Unhappy with appearance: Changes in body shape, weight, or pregnancy can make breasts look uneven or unnatural, prompting some to seek revision
  • Trouble with position: Implants can shift over time, causing discomfort or an unusual look
  • Rippling, infection, or other complications: These might also lead to breast implant revision surgery

Doctors in Houston recommend a checkup if a patient notices pain, lumps, tightness, or visible changes. Revision can improve comfort, restore symmetry, and give a more natural look.

Types of Revision Procedures

There are several kinds of breast revision procedures done in Houston:

  • Implant removal and replacement: This is the most common, where old implants are taken out and new ones placed
  • Capsulectomy: Doctors remove the scar tissue capsule around the implant, often needed for capsular contracture
  • Breast lift (mastopexy): This can be added to lift the breasts and improve shape, especially if sagging has occurred
  • Correction of implant position: For implants that have shifted, doctors may adjust the implant pocket
  • Other fixes: Addressing rippling, size changes, or infections as needed

Surgeons at Houston clinics help patients choose the right approach for their needs. Each type of revision is tailored to address specific issues like firmness, discomfort, loss of shape, or implant problems.

Surgical Techniques for Fixing Capsular Contracture and Other Problems

Breast revision surgery uses different approaches depending on the patient’s needs. Surgeons choose between removing scar tissue, changing implants, or using other specialized methods to achieve better comfort and appearance.

Capsulectomy and Capsulotomy

Capsulectomy is a procedure where the surgeon removes the thickened or hardened capsule of scar tissue around the implant. This is the main treatment for severe capsular contracture that causes pain, tightness, or distortion of the breast.

There are two main types of capsulectomy: partial and total. A partial capsulectomy removes only the affected part of the capsule. In a total capsulectomy, the entire capsule is taken out. Removing the capsule lowers the chance of the contracture coming back.

Capsulotomy is different. The surgeon simply cuts or scores the capsule to loosen it. This may help with mild cases. These surgical techniques can both improve breast shape and comfort, but capsulectomy is usually chosen for more serious problems.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

Sometimes, the best option is to take out the breast implant completely. This is called breast implant removal. In some cases, patients choose not to have a new implant placed.

Many patients, however, prefer implant replacement. This involves removing the old implant and putting in a new one. The new implant may be a different size, shape, or type to fit the patient’s goals.

Doctors may recommend replacing both implants, even if only one has a problem. This helps keep the breasts looking balanced and natural. Revision surgery after implant removal or replacement can include reshaping the pocket or adjusting breast tissue to create the most natural look and feel.

Patients get a customized treatment plan so the results meet their specific needs. These options give flexibility for fixing capsular contracture and other implant issues.

Enhancing Aesthetic Outcome: Addressing Breast Shape and Size

Breast revision surgery can help improve both the look and feel of the breasts. Choice of implant size, type, and surgical technique are important for a balanced and attractive appearance.

Adjusting Implant Size and Type

Many people choose to switch implant sizes after their first breast augmentation surgery. Some may want a smaller implant for a more natural look, while others may want a larger size for greater fullness.

Types of implants matter too. Saline and silicone implants each have unique qualities, such as how they feel and how they look under the skin. Surgeons might also recommend anatomic (teardrop-shaped) or round implants depending on what fits a patient’s body best.

Changing the type or size of implant is often done to correct issues like rippling, leakage, or dissatisfaction with previous results. This can also help patients reach new cosmetic goals and fix differences in size or shape between the breasts.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Enhancement

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is often combined with breast implant revision. This surgery raises and reshapes sagging breasts to provide a firmer, perkier look.

Breast lift procedures remove extra skin and tighten the tissue. Nipples may also be repositioned to a more natural height. This is especially useful for people whose breasts have changed after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.

Combining a breast lift with implant revision can create better shape and symmetry. For some, it also means improved comfort and higher confidence. People interested in a lift or enhancement should speak with a qualified plastic surgeon for personal recommendations.

Consulting a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston

Finding the right breast surgeon is important for the best outcome. Choosing someone with the right training and experience lowers the risks and helps patients feel more comfortable about surgery.

Choosing the Right Breast Surgeon

Patients should look for a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery. This means the surgeon has finished extra training and passed exams in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Board certification shows a higher standard of care.

It’s useful to read reviews and check before-and-after photos. Many surgeons in Houston, like Dr. Sam Sukkar, have peer-reviewed skills, advanced training, and positive patient reviews. Scheduling a consultation lets patients discuss their goals and concerns. This step helps build trust and clarify expectations.

Importance of Experience and Credentials

Experience matters in breast revision surgery. Surgeons who perform many breast surgeries each year develop a keener eye for detail and learn to handle rare or difficult cases.

Credentials go beyond just having a medical license. Look for:

  • Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Membership in respected organizations, like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Advanced training in breast surgery techniques

In Houston, patients can find surgeons with double board certification or extra skills in microsurgery. A thorough evaluation and honest communication are both signs of an experienced plastic surgeon.

Choosing someone with the right credentials helps reduce the risk of complications and ensures safety. This is especially important for revisions, where the surgery can be more challenging and complex.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Revision Surgery in Houston, Texas: Fixing Capsular Contracture and Other Issues

What are the common reasons for seeking breast revision surgery in Houston?

Many people look into breast revision to fix problems like implant rupture, shifting, capsular contracture, or changes in breast shape. Other reasons include wanting a different size or type of implant, or to correct discomfort or hardening of the breast, such as what happens with capsular contracture.

How can I find a qualified surgeon for breast revision surgery in Houston?

Patients should look for board-certified plastic surgeons who have experience with breast revision procedures. Checking online reviews and before-and-after photos can help. It’s also good to schedule a consultation and ask about the surgeon’s background with cases like implant rupture, pain, or capsular contracture.

What is the typical recovery time for breast revision surgery?

Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Most people can return to light activities after a few days but should avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. The timeline may vary depending on what type of revision was done and the patient’s health.

Are there any specific postoperative care instructions for breast revision patients?

After surgery, patients are often told to wear a supportive bra and avoid raising their arms above their head for a few weeks. Incision care, avoiding certain exercises, and attending follow-up visits are also important. Detailed instructions will be provided by the surgeon to help support healing.

Conclusion and Summary of Breast Revision Surgery in Houston, Texas: Fixing Capsular Contracture and Other Issues

Breast revision in Houston gives patients a way to correct complications from past breast implant procedures, whether it’s capsular contracture, implant rupture, shifting, rippling, or cosmetic dissatisfaction.

With advanced techniques like capsulectomy, implant replacement, and breast lifts, local board-certified surgeons can restore comfort, improve breast shape, and help patients feel confident again. These procedures are highly customized, ensuring that both function and appearance are addressed. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon in Houston is key to achieving safe, satisfying results that align with your aesthetic goals.

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About the Author – Meet Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD

Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.

Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.

Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.

Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.

From the first time you walk into The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, you’ll know that you are in a place that cares about results. Under the leadership of Dr. Sukkar, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery has become Houston’s plastic surgery center of choice. Experience the difference for yourself by scheduling a consultation today.

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