Prosthetic capsule contracture: What should I do if the nose becomes hard and deformed?

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Give a direct answer first

Prosthetic capsular contractures are formed by the body around the prosthesisExcessive thickening and shrinkage of the fiber envelope, leading to the noseHardness, upward movement of the prosthesis, deformation of the tip of the nose, and even pain. Mild (hard but acceptable appearance) can be observed and followed up first;Significant deformation, stiffness and pain are moderate to severe, usually requiring surgical release or removal of the capsule, removal or replacement of the prosthesis, and priority is given to reconstruction of materials with better compatibility such as autologous cartilageIt will not subside on its own, the more you drag the contracture, the tighter it becomes

First, what is prosthetic capsular contracture?

After implantation of the prosthesis, the human body will naturally form a layer of "envelope" around the prosthesis, which is a normal foreign body reaction. Most people's envelope is soft and does not affect the appearance; but when the envelopeThey hyperplasia, they contract, they tighten.It is like a hand gripping the prosthesis tighter and tighter, forming capsular contractures, which are manifested as a hard nose, displacement of the prosthesis, and changes in appearance.

Capsular contracture may appear several months after surgery, or it may gradually appear several years later. It is one of the more typical long-term complications of prosthetic rhinoplasty. If you are weighing prostheses and autologous materials, you can first seeHow to choose rhinoplasty materials

II. Causes and triggering factors

Capsular contracture is often the result of a combination of factors.

factor categoryspecific performance
Infection/inflammationSubclinical infection, chronic inflammation stimulated capsule hyperplasia
Hematoma/effusionPostoperative lacunar hemorrhage, fluid accumulation is not clear, and the envelope is aggravated after organization
prosthetic factorImproper material, surface and placement level of the prosthesis
individual physiqueIndividual differences in scar constitution and immune response
repeated surgeriesMultiple rhinoplasty, poor tissue foundation, and more susceptible to contracture of the capsule

Among them, infection and hematoma are important and manageable triggers, which is why standardized operation and postoperative care are so critical. Please refer to the relevant risksRhinoplasty infection management

III. Severity judgment and treatment plan

Clinics often refer to the Baker grading idea to judge the severity, and the treatment methods vary with the grading.

degreetypical performanceprocessing direction
mildThe nose is slightly hard, the appearance is basically normal, and there is no painObservation and follow-up, investigation of infection incentives
moderateSignificantly hardened, accessible prosthetic contour, slightly deformedEvaluation of surgical release/partial removal of the capsule
severeThe prosthesis is obviously upward deformed, the tip of the nose is stiff, and it is painful.Surgery to completely remove the capsule, remove/replace the prosthesis, and mostly use autologous cartilage

It should be emphasized that capsular contractureWon't recover on its ownMassage, hot compress, etc. cannot reverse the contracture that has formed, but may be delayed. Moderate and severe cases usually require surgery, and thorough treatment of the capsule during surgery is the key link to prevent recurrence. Please refer to the overall idea of repair.Rhinoplasty Failure Repair Guide

IV. Key points of repair and prevention

The core of capsular contracture repair is "treating the capsular + replacing more stable support materials":

  • Complete release or resection of the contracture capsuleTo rebuild healthy tissue spaces.

  • Replacement materialThe autogenous costal cartilage, ear cartilage, etc. have good compatibility and relatively low probability of long-term contracture.

  • control incentivePreoperative investigation of infection, thorough intraoperative hemostasis, standardized postoperative care to reduce the risk of recurrence.

  • Selecting the right doctor and institutionRepair requires more experience for the surgeon, and comprehensive evaluation of nasal conditions is required.

In terms of prevention, choosing a regular institution, standardizing operations, and doing a good job in postoperative care are the best ways to reduce capsular contracture from the source. Regarding the surgeon, you can understandIntroduction of Dr. Tang Yuxiang

FAQ frequently asked questions about prosthetic capsular contracture

Q: Will capsular contracture heal itself?
A: No. The contractures that have formed will not subside on their own, and the massage hot compress cannot be reversed. The more you drag, the tighter it is, and it needs to be evaluated in time.

Q: Is a hard nose a capsular contracture?
A: Not necessarily. The swelling will also harden in the early stage after surgery. If the continuous stiffness and deformation occur for a long time after surgery, it will suggest capsular contracture, which needs to be judged by face-to-face consultation.

Q: Does mild capsular contracture require immediate surgery?
A: Mild and normal appearance can be observed first for follow-up and investigation of inducements; medium to severe cases of obvious deformation, stiffening and pain usually require surgery.

Q: Does the repair have to be replaced with autologous cartilage?
A: It is not absolute, but the autocartilage compatibility is good, and the probability of long-term contracture is relatively low. It is often used in capsular contracture repair, and the specific treatment plan shall prevail.

Q: Will contractures recur after repair?
A: Any implant has a certain risk of recurrence. Thorough treatment of the envelope, control of infection and hematoma, and conversion to autologous materials during surgery can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

Q: Is capsular contracture related to infection?
A: Yes. Subclinical infection is one of the important causes of capsular contracture, so it is important to check and control infection before repair.

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This article is composed ofDr. Tang YuxiangThe medical beauty strategy section is sorted out and released. Please indicate the source when reprinting.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is the content of nasal science popularization, does not constitute diagnosis and treatment suggestions, and does not guarantee any surgical results. The relevant plan needs to be interviewed by professional physicians such as Dr. Tang Yuxiang, and determined after comprehensive evaluation of personal nasal conditions and health conditions. There are individual risks and differences in medical aesthetics, please make rational decisions.