Some of our patients have asked about the possible link between dental work and increased risk for capsular contracture. While there’s no established cause and effect, it’s still a good idea to understand the potential risks that dental work may carry following breast augmentation.
What is Capsular Contracture?
Formation of scar tissue is a normal response by the body’s immune system to the introduction of foreign objects. Capsular contracture is the formation of excessive scar tissue, which can compromise the aesthetics of an implant and cause discomfort. While this condition is most commonly associated with breast implants, it may also be seen in people with prosthetics such as artificial hips or knees. In breast augmentation patients who develop capsular contracture, the implant capsule may need to be revised or removed in a second surgical procedure.
The Dental Work Link
Dental procedures, like other surgeries, can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream that may attach to implants and cause a heightened immune response in the body. Some doctors may advise a patient who has had a breast augmentation to take prophylactic antibiotics before and after dental work to decrease the risk of bacterial attachment that may lead to inflammation, infection, or capsular contracture. Others do not advise the prophylactic use of antibiotics because of the risk of increased bacterial drug resistance.
The evidential link between dental work and capsular contracture is anecdotal at best, so for this reason it is best to seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon who will examine your specific case and advise you on what, if any, precautionary procedures may be necessary to decrease the risk of capsular contracture following dental work.
Dr. David Kaufman earned a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with distinction, the highest academic honor. As an active duty naval special warfare officer, he served our nation for four years, including duty in Operation Desert Storm. He then attended Harvard Medical School, receiving his medical doctor degree in 1996. From there, he entered and completed postdoctoral surgical training in a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
A board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Kaufman’s diverse surgical experience and skill enables him to choose procedures and techniques to best suit each patient. Consider him and his practice, Kaufman Plastic Surgery, if you are looking for a plastic surgeon in the Sacramento area.
