Of the numerous complications that can occur in breast augmentation, capsular contracture is the most vexing of them all. The formation of excessive circumferential scar formation around the implant can be problematic in terms of the look and feel of the breast with potential hardness and shape distortion. The reason for capsular contracture in many patients is usually unknown. But when it occurs and it is significant, it will require surgery for improvement/correction of the affected breast.
All breast implant manufacturers have nearly identical warranties in the advent of one specific complication, device failure. (rupture) This applies both to lifelong implant replacement and a ten year reimbursement for the surgery to replace it from the date of implantation. This applies to saline, smooth round silicone and textured silicone shaped breast implants.
But a new level of warranty has now emerged from one of the manufacturers, Sientra, that covers the complication of capsular contracture should it occur. Known as C3 (CapConCare), it is the industry’s first capsular contracture care program. It covers primary breast augmentation patients using the TRUE texture breast implants who have developed Grade III and Grade IV capsular contracture problems within two years after the initial surgery. It only applies to surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with implants placed beginning November 1, 2013.
The genesis of this warranty undoubtably has its basis in the knowledge of how well Sientra’s textured silicone breast implants have performed. In a large U.S. clinical trial encompassing 4,312 primary breast augmentation patients followed over five years, there was a 0% incidence of gel fracture, a 0.4% rupture rate and a 3.9% capsular contracture rate.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana