Avoiding Capsular Contracture with TABA

April 30, 2015
By Richard Zienowicz, MD
The Plastic Surgery Channel

Capsular contracture is enemy number one when it comes to breast augmentation results. While the rates of the complication are falling exponentially with the latest scientific research and improved techniques, there is still a risk. Capsular contracture is a response by the body to foreign materials – such as breast implants – where collagen-fiber capsules tighten and squeeze the implanted device. It can be painful and alter the aesthetics of your breast augmentation, causing the implants to harden and appear out of position.

Avoiding capsular contracture is a top concern for plastic surgeons. When breast augmentation is performed via Transabdominal Breast Augmentation (the implants are inserted through the abdomen during a tummy tuck), capsular contracture rates have been found to be extremely low. Dr. Richard Zienowicz of Rhode Island specializes in the TABA procedure and has been following a group of patients to watch for capsular contracture rates.

“People don’t think about it, but it’s a ready drainage from the breast down to the abdomen, so no fluid collects around the implant,” explains Dr. Zienowicz. “Our capsular contracture rate is less than 1% in a series of 110 patients. That’s because it’s a no-touch technique and is the only no-touch technique available of any technique.”

“Implants go through the abdomen, never touch the skin at any point, and you have that full drainage so you obviate one of the common causes of capsular contracture, which is serum or blood around the implant.”