LASERS FOR BREAST CAPSULES

Of all the complications Implant Capsular Contracture remains the most problematic in plastic surgery. These capsules can be hard, tender and cause breast asymmetry. A study was done by 3 physicians in the Philadelphia area. 

 They took 33 patients who had grade III or grade IV encapsulation. For 6 weeks patients were treated once a week for 10 minutes with a 904 nm. laser over a 2 cm. grid pattern at one minute per area. 

The physicians found they were able to avoid surgical intervention on 93.9% of the patients. Stiffness and discomfort were improved about 43%. More work remains to define a treatment protocol and also long term follow up.