Capsular Contracture in Webster, TX
Also serving patients in Friendswood and League City.
Also serving patients in Friendswood and League City.
Breast implants are meant to feel like a natural extension of your body, so when something starts to feel tight, uncomfortable, or “not the same as before,” it can be unsettling. Many women notice gradual changes long after their breast augmentation: a firmness they didn’t expect, a slight shift in shape, or a sense that the implant isn’t moving the way it used to. These experiences are far more common than people realize, and they often relate to a condition called capsular contracture.
At Kim Carpin Plastic Surgery, patients arrive looking for clarity, not confusion. Dr. Carpin responds with calm expertise and a defined plan, helping women understand the changes they’re experiencing and how to restore soft, comfortable, natural-looking results. Her philosophy is rooted in education, reassurance, and thoughtful solutions, all designed to help you feel at ease in your body again.
Whenever a breast implant is placed, whether saline or silicone, the body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around it. This is a normal part of healing, and for most breast augmentation patients, that soft “capsule” stays flexible and supportive.
Capsular contracture is what happens when that scar tissue begins to tighten instead of remaining supple. The capsule becomes firmer, thicker, and less elastic, which can make the breast feel unusually hard or look more rounded or distorted. Some women feel tenderness or pressure, while others simply notice a change in how the implant sits or moves.
It’s one of the more common complications after breast augmentation surgery and can develop months or even years after the original procedure. While the exact cause varies (low-grade bacterial contamination, genetics, radiation therapy, or even the body’s own immune response), the experience is the same: the implant no longer feels like it’s part of you.
The good news is that capsular contracture can be treated. With thoughtful evaluation and the right surgical techniques, the surrounding tissue capsule can be corrected, replaced, or rebuilt to restore softness, comfort, and a natural breast shape.
Correcting capsular contracture helps the implant feel comfortable and natural again. When the tight, fibrous scar tissue is addressed properly, patients often notice a meaningful difference in both softness and confidence.
Capsular contracture can affect women at any point after breast augmentation. Some women notice their breasts becoming firmer or more rounded. Others sense tightness when they move, discomfort during exercise, or an implant that sits higher than it used to. Sometimes women find themselves with painful breasts as the capsule tightens around the implant.
Patients are often good candidates for treatment if they’re experiencing firmness, shape distortion, increasing discomfort, or breasts that feel different from their original result. Women who’ve undergone prior implant surgery, breast reconstruction, have a genetic predisposition to creating excess scar tissue, or have a history of capsular contracture may have a higher risk of developing it again, which is why a thoughtful, individualized approach matters.
Dr. Carpin evaluates each patient personally, taking time to understand their symptoms, medical history, breast tissue changes, and goals. Her priority is to determine whether capsular contracture is the true cause and to map out the safest, most effective plan to restore softness and balance.
If you are experiencing a fever, feel sick or sluggish, or suspect you may have a low-grade infection, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treating capsular contracture focuses on more than loosening tight scar tissue. It addresses the full picture of how the implant feels, moves, and sits on the chest. Many patients come in describing a breast that feels too firm, too round, or simply unlike the result they once loved. Revision surgery allows Dr. Carpin to correct these changes and rebuild a healthier tissue capsule around the implant.
This type of treatment can improve breast softness, restore a natural slope, relieve discomfort from the tightening capsule, and correct visible distortion caused by contracting scar tissue. It also supports a safer, more stable environment for a new implant, especially when TIGR® Mesh is used to reinforce the surrounding tissue. For women experiencing pain, asymmetry, or changes in breast position, addressing capsular contracture can bring the breast back into harmony with the rest of the body.
TIGR® Mesh is a soft, flexible scaffold that gives the breast a stronger, more stable foundation after capsular contracture is corrected. It works like a gentle internal support, something that reinforces the area where the implant sits while your own tissue heals and grows around it. Instead of relying on weakened or contracting scar tissue, the implant is supported by a structure that encourages healthier, more predictable healing.
Unlike traditional acellular dermal matrix (ADM), TIGR® Mesh is fully synthetic and gradually dissolves over time. It provides strength when you need it, then slowly transitions that support to your body as new tissue forms. This approach helps reduce the risk of developing capsular contracture again and creates a smoother, softer, more natural outcome.
For women who’ve dealt with firmness, pain, or repeated implant issues, TIGR® Mesh offers a reassuring layer of stability. It helps maintain the shape Dr. Carpin creates during surgery and gives the breast a better chance to stay comfortable and balanced long-term.
A conversation with Dr. Carpin never feels rushed. She sits with you, asks thoughtful questions, and pieces together the full story of what you’ve been experiencing; when the firmness started, how the breast (or both breasts) has changed, and how it’s affecting your comfort or confidence. Many women arrive feeling unsure or frustrated, but nearly all of them leave feeling understood and finally clear on what’s going on inside their body.
This is where education comes in. Dr. Carpin explains what’s happening in a way that makes sense, walks through treatment options step by step, and discusses how TIGR® Mesh can provide long-term support. She'll help you create a clear, supportive plan built around what you want to achieve.
When you’re ready to move forward, you’ll know exactly why the issue developed, what the surgical plan looks like, and how your recovery will be supported from start to finish.
During your consultation, she evaluates your breast tissue, the existing breast implant, the surrounding tissue capsule, and any symptoms that may point toward capsular contracture. She also reviews your medical history, your previous breast augmentation surgery details, and your goals moving forward.
Correcting cases of capsular contracture is a thoughtful, step-by-step process. On the day of surgery, Dr. Carpin begins by using small incisions to gently release or remove the tight scar tissue capsule that’s causing the breast to feel firm or distorted. This creates space for the implant to sit comfortably again and gives her a clean foundation to rebuild healthy support.
Once the contracting scar tissue is addressed, she prepares the pocket for your new implant. If TIGR® Mesh is part of your plan, she places the mesh as a soft internal scaffold, giving the breast added stability and helping the surrounding tissue heal in a more natural, controlled way. This technique reduces the tension that often leads to future problems and helps create a smooth, balanced contour. A healthy capsule is the foundation of a lasting, comfortable result.
The entire procedure is performed in her accredited private surgical center, where every detail — from the anesthesia team to the recovery space — is chosen with safety and comfort in mind. Because Dr. Carpin handles all surgical planning and execution herself, your revision is tailored to your anatomy, your history, and the result you want to return to. By the time you head home, the groundwork for soft, healthy healing is already in place.
Healing after capsular contracture surgery feels different for everyone, but most patients describe the process as easily manageable. The breast may feel swollen or tender at first while the tissues settle into their new position, especially if TIGR® Mesh was used to reinforce the area. These sensations gradually improve as the surrounding tissue heals and the implant finds a more natural, comfortable place.
One of the things patients with capsular contracture appreciate most is how involved Dr. Carpin remains after surgery. She checks on you the evening of your procedure, sees you promptly for follow-up visits, and stays closely connected throughout your recovery. This level of attention helps her monitor how the new tissue capsule is forming and make adjustments if anything feels off.
Most women ease back into daily routines within a couple of weeks, saving exercise and heavier activity for a later stage once the affected implant and breast capsule have stabilized. Dr. Carpin provides clear, personalized instructions for sleep, movement, incision care, and support garments, making sure you always know what’s normal and what to expect next. The goal is a smooth, comfortable healing process with soft, healthy tissue as the final outcome.
As the swelling fades and the tissue begins to heal, most patients notice a steady return to softness and comfort. The breast settles into a more natural shape, movement feels easier, and that sense of tightness or pressure gradually disappears. For many women, the biggest change isn’t just how the breast looks, it’s the relief of feeling “normal” again.
Because the contracting scar tissue has been addressed and the saline implant or silicone gel implant is supported by healthier structures, the results tend to feel more stable over time. TIGR® Mesh adds an extra layer of reassurance by giving the breast a stronger foundation as it heals, helping reduce the chance of the capsule tightening again.
Every woman heals at her own pace, but the long-term goal is the same: breasts that feel soft, balanced, and comfortably integrated with your body. Dr. Carpin follows you closely through every stage, making sure the final result reflects your anatomy, your goals, and the kind of natural outcome you originally hoped for.
The cost of treating capsular contracture varies from patient to patient, simply because every case looks a little different. The severity of the tightening, the condition of the existing breast implant, the need for mesh reinforcement, and the surgical techniques required all play a role in shaping the final fee. Revision surgery is more complex than primary augmentation, and Dr. Carpin builds each plan around the specific tissue changes she sees during your consultation.
During your visit, she reviews your options, explains what your particular surgery involves, and provides a clear breakdown of pricing before any decisions are made. No surprises, no rushed recommendations — just the information you need to feel confident about moving forward.
Financing options are available for those who prefer a structured payment plan, and her team is always there to help you explore what feels right for your budget. The goal is to make the process accessible and transparent, so you can focus on feeling comfortable and supported throughout your care.
Capsular contracture can feel overwhelming and discouraging, especially when you expected your breast augmentation to be a long-term, confidence-boosting decision. What patients often need most is a surgeon who listens, someone who understands the frustration, explains the next step clearly, and treats the entire experience with care. That’s exactly where Dr. Kim Carpin excels.
She approaches each case with equal parts precision and empathy. Her artistic background helps her restore shape and softness in a way that feels natural to your body, while her surgical expertise ensures that every detail is handled with safety and intention. Because she personally performs every consultation, every follow-up, and every major step of your care, you always know who’s guiding your treatment. Above all, Dr. Carpin’s philosophy is simple: patient-first, always. She teaches, supports, and communicates every step of the way, helping you feel informed, reassured, and confident in the path forward.
Changes in breast comfort or shape deserve thoughtful attention, and that starts with a conversation you won’t feel rushed through. Sitting down with Dr. Carpin gives you the chance to talk openly, sort through what you’ve been experiencing, and learn what your options truly look like. Her approach is calm, clear, and supportive, the kind of environment where questions feel welcome and next steps become easier to picture.
Our team makes the process simple from the moment you reach out. Whether you’re exploring revision for the first time or looking for a more stable, long-term solution, we’re here to guide you through each stage with care. Connect with us to schedule your consultation at Kim Carpin Plastic Surgery in Webster, TX, and experience the kind of personalized attention that defines this practice.
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue capsule around a breast implant tightens instead of staying soft. Factors may include low-grade bacterial contamination, implant rupture, genetic predisposition, or the body’s immune system response after breast augmentation.
Common capsular contracture symptoms include increasing firmness, breast pain, a higher or rounder implant position, or an implant that no longer moves naturally. Any change in how the breast feels can signal developing capsular contracture.
Treating capsular contracture often involves removing or releasing the fibrous scar tissue that’s tightening around the implant. The approach depends on the tissue capsule, the affected implant, and your previous breast augmentation surgery.
TIGR® Mesh supports the surrounding tissue capsule and stabilizes the implant pocket while healing. This reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture again and helps create a healthier capsule around the new implant.
Most patients with capsular contracture receive a new implant during revision surgery. This can help correct distortion, avoid capsular contracture recurrence, and improve long-term breast shape and comfort.
Both silicone gel implants and saline implants can develop capsular contracture. The risk is influenced more by surgical technique, implant placement, and healing patterns than the implant type itself.
With proper surgical techniques and TIGR® Mesh support, results after correcting capsular contracture are typically long-lasting. Most breast augmentation patients enjoy a softer, more natural feel for many years.
