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Capsular Contracture Treatment

Chevy Chase, MD

Relieve Tightness, Restore Comfort

Introduction to Capsular Contracture Treatment

The body has an extraordinary ability to adapt to change. Following breast augmentation, a thin layer of scar tissue naturally forms around each implant. In most cases, this capsule remains soft and imperceptible. Occasionally, however, the capsule gradually thickens and tightens around the implant, altering both the appearance and feel of the breast.

Capsular contracture can transform a previously satisfying breast augmentation into something that feels increasingly unfamiliar. Breasts may become firmer, change position, appear asymmetrical, or, in some cases, become uncomfortable. Fortunately, these concerns can often be addressed with carefully planned revision surgery offered by Dr. James Economides in Chevy Chase, MD, just 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C.

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What is Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture treatment is a surgical approach to address the tightening and thickening of scar tissue surrounding a breast implant. The procedure often involves removing or releasing the capsule and may include replacing the implants, changing implant position, or incorporating additional techniques to optimize long-term results.

Treatment recommendations are highly individualized because no two cases of capsular contracture are identical. Factors such as the severity of the contracture, implant characteristics, tissue quality, and aesthetic goals all influence surgical planning. The objective is not only to correct the contracture itself but also to restore a breast appearance and feel that is balanced, comfortable, and harmonious.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Ideally, candidates for capsular contracture treatment are women who have developed changes in breast appearance or comfort following breast augmentation and wish to improve the condition through revision surgery.

You may be a candidate in the greater Washington, D.C. area for capsular contracture treatment if you:

  • Have breasts that feel unusually firm or tight
  • Have noticed changes in breast shape or implant position
  • Experience discomfort associated with your implants
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations regarding revision surgery and recovery

What Are the Benefits of Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Capsular contracture affects more than aesthetics alone. It can alter the way the breasts feel, change implant position, and create concerns that become increasingly noticeable over time. Treatment is designed to address these issues comprehensively, with benefits that include:

  • Restoration of a softer, more natural breast feel
  • Improvement in breast symmetry and implant position
  • Reduction of tightness or discomfort associated with contracture
  • Opportunity to revise previous breast augmentation results
  • Improved confidence and satisfaction with breast appearance
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How to Begin Your Capsular Contracture Treatment Journey

Capsular contracture consultations often begin with a sense that something no longer feels the way it once did. Dr. Economides carefully evaluates your concerns and seeks to understand both the physical changes you have experienced and the outcome you hope to achieve moving forward during a consultation here in the Washington, D.C. area.

Your consultation may include:

  1. A detailed review of your medical and breast augmentation history
  2. Evaluation of breast appearance, implant position, and tissue characteristics
  3. Discussion of your concerns and treatment goals
  4. Recommendations regarding revision strategies and complementary procedures
  5. Development of a personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and priorities

What to Expect on the Day of Capsular Contracture Treatment

Capsular contracture treatment is fundamentally a procedure of restoration. On the day of surgery, Dr. Economides carefully reviews your treatment plan and makes detailed markings that account for your anatomy and the revisions being performed.

Once anesthesia has been administered, the contracted capsule is addressed according to your individualized surgical plan. Depending on your needs, this may involve removing scar tissue, replacing implants, adjusting implant position, or incorporating additional contouring techniques. Throughout surgery, every decision is guided by an understanding that successful revision involves not only correcting the contracture itself but also restoring balance, softness, and natural movement to the breasts.

Following the procedure, you will spend time recovering under observation before returning home with detailed postoperative instructions.

Doctor James Economides in white coat reviewing medical information on laptop at modern clinic desk - in Chevy Chase, MD

Combining My Capsular Contracture Treatment with Other Procedures

Since capsular contracture can affect both the appearance and feel of the breasts, additional procedures are sometimes incorporated to refine results further and address changes that may have developed over time.

Some women experience breast descent in addition to capsular contracture, particularly years after their original augmentation. A breast lift can reposition the breasts and nipples, improve contour, and create a more harmonious relationship between implant position and breast shape.

Capsular Contracture Treatment Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

Recovery begins as your breasts heal from revision surgery and adapt to their restored position. Temporary swelling, soreness, tightness, and changes in breast sensation are expected during the first several days. Rest, take your prescribed medications as directed, and carefully follow all postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Economides.

The First Two Weeks

Many patients notice an early improvement in breast softness and comfort, even while swelling is still present. Continue attending your scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Economides can monitor your healing, evaluate your implant position, and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.

Weeks 2-6

As swelling continues to resolve, your breasts gradually soften and settle into their revised contours. Improvements in breast shape, symmetry, and overall comfort become increasingly noticeable as your tissues continue to heal.

Months 3-6 and Beyond

Your final results develop gradually over the following months as your breasts continue to soften and adapt to their revised anatomy. With continued healing, you’ll appreciate increasingly natural movement, improved contour, and the restored comfort that capsular contracture treatment is designed to achieve.

How Much Does Capsular Contracture Treatment Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of capsular contracture treatment in Chevy Chase, MD, and Washington, D.C., varies per patient and the extent of the procedure. Revision breast surgery is exceptionally individualized and often requires considerations that extend beyond those involved in primary augmentation. Factors influencing cost may include the severity of the contracture, whether implants are being exchanged or removed, the condition of the surrounding tissues, surgical time, anesthesia services, facility fees, and the inclusion of complementary procedures such as a breast lift or fat grafting. Following your consultation, Dr. Economides will provide a personalized treatment plan and detailed estimate based on your anatomy and goals.

Why Choose Dr. Economides?

Dr. James Economides of the greater Washington, D.C. area is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a proud Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Recognized as a Top Doctor every year since 2019, he has earned a reputation for sophisticated, natural-looking results achieved through thoughtful planning and exceptional technical expertise.

As an internationally respected educator and lecturer in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Economides brings an advanced understanding of breast revision principles to every capsular contracture procedure. He appreciates that revision surgery often involves both physical and emotional considerations, approaching each case with individualized care and a commitment to restoring results that feel balanced, comfortable, and authentically aligned with each patient’s goals.

Capsular Contracture Treatment FAQ’S

  • Professional, kind and highly recommended!

    Dr Economides did my Botox and temple filler perfectly!! He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Professional, kind and highly recommended!!

    Katherine K.

  • I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides

    I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides in Arlington, VA. I wanted facial rejuvenation that looked natural — refreshed, not pulled or overdone — and that is exactly what he delivered.

    Michael K.

  • I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides

    Dr. Economides came highly recommend by a number of skilled respected doctors. I had a neck lift, face lift and eyebrow lift. Dr. Economides and his staff have been readily available to answer any questions-pre or post surgery. I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides for your plastic surgery.

    Virginia H.

  • Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon.

    Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon. He is honest in his assessments, as he explains what will and will not change after a procedure. I’m very pleased with the results of my facelift. Dr. Economides and his entire staff are professional, kind, and personable.

    Donna M.

  • Dr Economides is the best.

    I’m thrilled with the results of my neck lift & lower facelift. Highly recommend!

    Valerie C.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Economides.

    I had a hernia repair and abdominoplasty with diastasis rectus repair, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did he resolve my medical concerns, but my abdomen looks amazing—I love my belly button again for the first time in over a decade!

    Monica M.

  • I couldn’t be happier with my experience

    I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Economides and his team. I can confidently say that I love my results! My tummy tuck and breast reduction have truly changed my confidence and comfort in my own body. The recovery process has been smooth, and any questions or concerns I had were always addressed with professionalism and kindness.

    Diana F.

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