Capsular Contracture Treatment in Atlanta, GA with Dr. Randy Rudderman

Restore Your Comfort and Reclaim Your Appearance

Complications can sometimes develop, even years after a successful surgery. If your breasts feel firm, tight, or uncomfortable, or if you’ve noticed changes in shape or position, you may be experiencing capsular contracture. This common implant complication affects many women and can cause physical discomfort, aesthetic concerns, and emotional distress. The most severe cases can result in distorted breast shape. Fortunately, this complication can be treated.

At Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Randy Rudderman and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping you reach your aesthetic goals. Each capsular contracture treatment plan considers your aesthetic goals, quality of life, and overall wellness to truly restore your comfort and confidence.

Are you experiencing the symptoms of capsular contracture? Contact us at 678-566-7200 or request your consultation to restore your breast feel, comfort, and confidence! We are located in Alpharetta and Atlanta, GA and proudly serve patients from around the country.

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What Is Capsular Contracture?

When breast implants are placed, your body naturally forms a capsule – a protective layer of scar tissue developed in response to the foreign object – around the implant. While this is perfectly normal, in some cases, this capsule becomes abnormally thick, tight, or contracted, squeezing the implant and causing the breast to feel firm, hard, or misshapen.

Capsular contracture can occur any time after a breast augmentation with implants, and when left untreated, can progress, initially causing a loss of breast softness, and often progressing to increased discomfort, pain, and dissatisfaction with your appearance and quality of life. Unfortunately, capsular contracture will not go away on its own or get better once it has started progressing.

Capsular contracture treatment is designed to:

Remove or release the tight capsule tissue
Replace or reposition the implant
Restore natural breast feel and appearance
Relieve pain, tightness, and discomfort
Improve breast symmetry and position

How Do I Know I Have Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is disruptive and painful at worst. The tightening of the capsule around the breast implant can result in:

Firm or unnatural-feeling breasts
Pain or soreness in breasts
Change in shape or misshapen breast appearance
Discomfort with physical and sexual activity
Discomfort in the chest, shoulders, ribs, or back and neck (muscle spasms or pain)
Change in sleep and impact on daily activities
Feeling of difficulty taking a deep breath
Result in a “cold” feeling breast
Numbness, tightness, heaviness, or non-specific breast irritation
Breasts may feel so hard that even giving someone a hug or finding clothing that fits and looks good becomes a problem

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule a consultation for capsular contracture treatment in Atlanta. The sooner you have your condition assessed and a treatment plan designed, the sooner you can reclaim your breast appearance and quality of life.

Why Should You Choose Dr. Randy Rudderman for Your Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Having been in practice since 1989, Dr. Rudderman offers his patients a wealth of information and expertise that only experience can provide. For every treatment he performs, he incorporates effective and predictable surgical techniques that are employed with an uncompromising respect for the natural human form. He understands that all bodies change and that our desires and preferences do too.

Dr. Rudderman has a collaborative relationship with the fashion industry and understands how clothing and plastic surgery share a purpose: to modify, conceal, and accentuate. While not every patient may have a keen interest in fashion, his understanding of how these two fields work in harmony allows him to approach his surgical plans in a way that is both sensitive to cultural norms while celebrating the patient’s natural beauty. A treatment plan designed by Dr. Rudderman will always factor in a patient’s desires, natural frame, genetics, lifestyle, and fashion culture.

Get to Know the Surgeon

Randy Rudderman, M.D.

Dr. Randy Rudderman is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for delivering beautifully natural, confidence-enhancing results. With decades of experience and over 5,000 breast surgeries performed, he brings exceptional skill and artistry to every procedure. Serving Atlanta patients since 1989, Dr. Rudderman offers a full range of breast, body, and non-surgical treatments—each designed to enhance your natural shape while maintaining balance, proportion, and long-term beauty.

What truly sets Dr. Rudderman apart is his personalized, patient-first approach. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle, ensuring results that feel authentically you. From your first consultation through recovery, he is dedicated to providing an elevated experience rooted in trust, transparency, and attentive care—so you feel confident, supported, and excited about your transformation.

What Does Dr. Rudderman Do That Allows for Better Potential Outcomes?

Treatment selection for breast capsular contractures is complex and requires consideration of a variety of surgical techniques. Success depends on awareness and assessment, then treatment of multiple factors, including timing (when the contractures began), symptoms, soft tissue characteristics, life events (age, pregnancy, or specific health conditions), activity requirements, and personal desires.

What Technically Contributes to More Predictable Long-Term Results?

Selection of the specific approach used requires experience, judgement, technical skill, and artistry. The choices made impact long-term shape, potential for additional surgery, and both appearance stability and clinical and financial future risks. The goal is to select an approach that provides a higher probability of a predictable long-term outcome.

Why Does the Approach to Treatment Matter?

Developing a plan is not trivial, particularly one that clearly describes potential risk and both short- and long-term considerations for results. Our approach includes critical evaluation of your anatomy, and attention to detail in matching the technical aspect of surgery to the specifics of your clinical findings, and your desires for the outcome.

Can I See Dr. Rudderman’s Breast Revision After Capsular Contracture Before and After Results?

View our gallery to see Dr. Rudderman’s outstanding and natural-looking results of real patients’ breast revision following capsular contracture, before and after photos.

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What Should I Expect During My Atlanta, GA Capsular Contracture Consultation?

At Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery, we value collaboration and partnership. You should plan for your consultation to take at least one hour. During this time, you will meet with Dr. Rudderman and other members of our team to situate and integrate yourself into our practice. A partnership with Dr. Rudderman is a collaborative relationship with the entire team.

Our goal at every consultation is to meet you, learn who you are, what lifestyle you lead, and your goals for not just surgery but the next phase of your life. Understanding the way your condition impacts your daily life, physically and emotionally, is an essential component of effective treatment planning. Once we have a complete picture of what you are looking for, we can tailor a treatment plan for long-term results and more predictable, sustainable beauty.

Dr. Rudderman believes the consultation is critical for you and him. The consultation includes the following: full evaluation of your original surgical experience, including implant type and location, placement, and technique used. Capsules removed are typically sent for pathologic evaluation, and patients receive a written report of findings from the pathologist.

During your consultation with Dr. Rudderman, you should expect:

A full examination of breast tissue, implant position, and capsule firmness
A discussion of your symptoms, timeline, and treatment goals
A personalized surgical plan that may include capsulectomy, implant exchange, or implant removal
Education about your condition, treatment options, risks and benefits, recovery, and long-term expectations

Dr. Rudderman specializes in breast revision surgeries and understands the artistry and surgical complexity that they demand. His advanced technique and delicate, precision surgical skills achieve the most natural-looking results possible. This consultation is done in an embracing, relaxing environment. From the consultation evolves trust, respect, mutual understanding, and a personalized treatment plan. These treatments are not an emergency, and plenty of time will be allowed to have a full conversation to consider all your options. Additional visits can be provided until you feel confident that you are making the best decision for yourself in health, safety, and outcome.

How Is My Condition Assessed? The Baker Classification

Correcting capsular contracture involves several factors, including the extent of the contracture (classification). Decisions for surgical options will consider the timing (how soon after augmentation did contracture occur), patient medical and lifestyle history, and patient desires and expectations. The most common classification system used by board-certified plastic surgeons is the Baker Classification.

Classification	Description
Baker 1	Describes a breast that is soft and feels and looks normal.
Baker II	Involves a breast that is slightly firm, often feeling different from the opposite breast, but with no visible changes.
Baker III	Capsular contracture is significantly firm, with visible changes in shape or contour.
Baker IV	The breast is very firm to hard, easily palpable implant, significantly visible change, may feel cooler to the patient, and is or may be painful with normal activity.

What Are My Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture in Atlanta, GA?

Surgery is often necessary for capsular contracture, as it will not reverse on its own. Once Dr. Rudderman has assessed the degree of contracture, he will make recommendations that prioritize your safety and long-term, predictable results.

We understand that choosing to remove your implants is a deeply personal decision. Some women do choose to remove and replace their implants, while others choose explant surgery and a breast lift. Only you can decide whether continuing with breast implants is right for you. Whatever you choose, your surgery will usually include a capsulectomy – the surgical removal of the scar tissue around your implants. Some general notes about capsular contracture correction surgery include:

The old implant will be removed
In most cases, the capsule is removed during surgery
Removal of the capsule will result in a dramatic change in the feel and look of the breast when there is visible distortion before surgery. Capsular removal may also significantly soften the breast and allow for a more natural position of the breast after surgery.
If you are treated for a capsular contracture, recommendations by the manufacturers is to have implants replaced with new implants.
Some patients may be candidates for the addition of graft material after capsule removal when a new implant is placed, to either support the implant from lateral displacement (moving to the side) and/or to potentially reduce additional long-term risk of recurrence of the capsular contracture.

Current studies have shown that implants associated with capsular contracture should be removed and replaced after the capsule is addressed (released or removed – capsulectomy), and placement of brand-new implants is recommended. Keeping the original implants is not recommended since the implant surface has adherent bacteria called a biofilm. Most implant companies now provide a warranty for this condition.

During your consultation, Dr. Rudderman will assess the size and positioning of your implants, your soft tissue characteristics, and the severity of your capsular contracture to determine the best treatment approach. Many patients choose to have implants removed and consider some reshaping surgery to achieve a more natural long-term outcome. Replacing implants after a capsular contracture occurs continues to carry risks of recurrent contracture.

Ready to Get Started?

Dr. Rudderman’s Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa is known throughout the Atlanta area as the leader in the field of plastic surgery and aesthetics. With over 37 years of experience, Dr. Rudderman takes the time to listen to patients’ concerns and goals during the consultation. He partners with patients through every step of their journey, educating and advising them on how to achieve the most beautiful outcomes.

Types of Capsulectomy

Complete Capsulectomy:

Removal of the entire capsule surrounding the breast implant. Typically recommended for severe cases of capsule contracture or implant complications. Also referred to as a total capsulectomy.

Partial Capsulectomy:

Removal of a portion of the capsule while preserving some of it. This may be performed in cases where the capsule is thin or for milder contracture cases. Some revision breast operations, or a change in pocket location, may preserve the capsule as part of the procedure to support the implant.

En Bloc Capsulectomy:

En bloc resections require the removal of the implant and capsule as a single unit without creating any opening in the capsule, and it is a term reserved for “tumor” resection. This approach by description is associated with additional known risks. This technique is more commonly successful when implants are subglandular, with thicker capsules, and when associated with the treatment of breast tumors or disease. This surgical approach is associated with a greater risk of damage to surrounding normal tissue, muscle, nerve, and bone, and a higher risk of damage to deeper tissue like the lung (pneumothorax).

A capsulectomy operation involves making an incision along the breast crease, regardless of where your original incision was placed. The tissue is separated to expose the capsule that can then be identified. The operation includes dissection (separation of the surrounding normal breast) tissue from the capsule.

A contracted capsule can be very thin or thickened, can look normal or be covered with calcified areas that resemble tiny eggshells. These findings are identified during surgery and may not show up on scans, including MRIs.

The surgical technique goal with total (and subtotal) capsulectomy is for safe removal of the visible capsule and implant contents. This approach is designed to protect normal anatomy and structures adjacent to the capsule. Clinical studies currently support that this technique carries a lower risk than more aggressive approaches of “en bloc” with statistically identical outcomes.

How Do I Know Capsular Contracture Treatment Is Right for Me?

Capsular contracture treatment is recommended for women experiencing symptoms that impact their quality of life, comfort, or satisfaction with their breast appearance. If you are bothered by firmness, discomfort, or changes in breast shape, scheduling a consultation is the best way to determine which treatment option is right for you.

Ideal capsular contracture treatment candidates:

Are generally healthy enough for surgery
Have a positive outlook for their treatment and a realistic idea of what it can accomplish
Experience breast firmness, hardness, pain, or discomfort
Notice changes in breast shape, position, or symmetry
Feel distressed by the appearance or feel of their breasts
Have been diagnosed with Grade II, III, or IV capsular contracture
Are committed to following post-operative care instructions

During your consultation, Dr. Rudderman will evaluate your condition and help you determine if treatment is appropriate for your situation. He will also discuss alternative options if surgery is not recommended at this time.

All tissue removed during surgery will be sent to pathology for evaluation. It is extremely rare to find any issue with the tissue. However, patients who have had textured implants have a very small risk over time of developing BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), which in the overwhelming majority of cases is cured with a capsulectomy. These cases can develop to look like contracture but often present with a fairly rapid size increase over weeks to a few months. If ALCL is suspected, additional significant pre-operative workup is recommended, including additional scans and tissue/fluid pathology evaluation.

Should I Re-implant After the Breast Implant Is Removed?

The decision to re-implant should be carefully deliberated. If you have developed a capsular contracture once, you are at potentially higher risk of a recurrence even with a new implant. An implant pocket location change may also be considered. In some cases, the best option is to remove the implant and capsule, allow for healing, and then consider options later.

How Should I Prepare for Capsular Contracture Treatment Surgery?

Preparing for your capsular contracture surgery will be similar to preparing for your initial augmentation surgery. In general, you should:

Prioritize nutrition: It can be helpful to prepare balanced, nutritious meals or arrange for a meal delivery service. During recovery, getting optimal nutrition is essential to ensure your body has everything it needs to heal.
Plan for help: You may need to arrange childcare, pet care, or help around the house during your immediate recovery. Plan for 3 to 4 days of help with children and household tasks.
Medical review: Dr. Rudderman may recommend running routine medical tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. These tests may include routine blood tests, an EKG, or a mammogram.
Consider your medication: During your consultation, Dr. Rudderman will review your medications, vitamins, and supplements. You may need to discontinue anything that increases the risk of bleeding or bruising for 2 weeks before and after surgery, including fish oil, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E, Ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications.
Quit smoking: Nicotine use negatively impacts healing and can increase your risk of complications. Dr. Rudderman recommends all patients discontinue nicotine use at least 4 weeks prior to and following surgery to help ensure optimal outcomes and the best possible recovery.
Focus on a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do to prepare for any surgery. Develop or continue a sustainable exercise routine that will support a stable weight, long-term health, and a higher probability of a smooth recovery.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential to your recovery. Drink plenty of water during the days leading up to your surgery to support recovery.
Get excited: Your capsular contracture surgery will restore your breast feel and comfort, finally relieving the discomfort and improving your self-confidence.

How Is Capsular Contracture Correction Surgery Performed in Alpharetta, GA?

All breast procedures take place in a fully accredited surgical center with state-of-the-art technology, hospital-level safety standards, and an experienced medical team dedicated to your care. Additionally, Dr. Rudderman takes pride in performing every single aspect of your surgery himself. As you go into surgery, you can feel confident knowing you are being cared for by the most qualified professionals available at every step of the process.

Day of Surgery Prep: On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the surgical center and meet with Dr. Rudderman to review your treatment plan and ask any last-minute questions you may have. He will then mark your breasts for surgery, and you will meet with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Incisions: When you are sedated and prepped in the surgical suite, Dr. Rudderman will make the appropriate incisions to access the capsule.
Reshaping: Once he has access, Dr. Rudderman will remove the old implant and the capsule to remove the inflamed tissue, scar tissue, and biofilm, or bacteria that may be present near the implant. He will also irrigate the pocket with an antibiotic solution before placing a new implant if you are choosing new implants. If you are not getting new implants, he will lift and shape the tissue to provide you with a natural, lifted look.
Incisions: After surgery is complete, Dr. Rudderman will close your incisions with sutures, apply a light surgical dressing, and fit you with a soft bra to support your incisions and support your new breasts. Dr. Rudderman’s delicate approach to tissue care and suturing helps promote optimal healing of the breast tissue and incisions.

Most capsular contracture correction procedures take about 2 to 3 hours and are performed on an outpatient basis. The operation and artistry involved in breast revision procedures are specific to each woman. During your consultation, you will receive extensive education regarding your condition, your concerns, your options, your risks and benefits, and your probable outcome. The goal of every procedure is a safe surgery, excellent appearance, normal anatomic redistribution, and an outcome that lasts for years and ages appropriately.

What Should I Expect After Capsular Contracture Correction in Atlanta, GA?

Capsular contracture correction requires surgery, and you can expect your recovery to be similar to that following your initial breast augmentation surgery regarding pain control. Immediately after surgery, you will be wearing a surgical dressing and a bra. If a capsulectomy is performed, you will have a drain in place that usually is removed in 5 to 7 days. As you will have been put under anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure you’re healing as expected and are satisfied with your natural, age-appropriate results.

In general, you can expect the following during your Atlanta capsular contracture recovery:

Physical recovery:

You can expect mild swelling and some discomfort. Dr. Rudderman will prescribe pain medication for comfort management, but this should resolve on its own. After 24 to 48 hours, you should be able to manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen.
Swelling is generally mild and begins to resolve in 2 to 3 weeks.
Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
You will have brown paper tape on the incisions to protect the area and help with minimal scar formation.
You may have a drain tube placed that needs to be checked several times a day. This drain is commonly removed in 5 to 7 days during your one-week follow-up visit.

Return to normal activities:

Most patients can return to desk work at home in 3 to 4 days. If your job requires physical activity, you may need to take more time off or request modified duties while you recover.
Women with children often can return to full childcare within reason in 3 to 4 days, including carpool and driving.
Avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks or until Dr. Rudderman has cleared you to do so. You will be able to gradually participate in full aerobic exercise starting in 4+ weeks.

Post-Surgical Follow-up Visits:

You will be seen in the office 24 hours post-surgery and given a more comfortable bra.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled for:

- 1 week post-op
- 2 weeks later (3 weeks post-op)
- 1 month later (7-8 weeks post-op)
- 3 months later (6 months post-op)

When Will I Feel the Results of Capsular Contracture Treatment?

Fortunately, many of the symptoms associated with capsular contracture should improve shortly after the capsule is removed. Physically, you will be able to notice an immediate change – or improvement – in your breast appearance.

Partner with Georgia’s Premier Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Randy Rudderman

Dr. Randy Rudderman is one of Atlanta and Alpharetta’s most trusted plastic surgeons. As an expert in breast revision procedures, he understands the complexities and artistry required to give his patients the balanced, natural-looking results they deserve. A partnership with Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery is a partnership with a knowledgeable team of experts who are as committed to your quality of life as you are.

Learn about capsular contracture treatment options near me by calling Dr. Rudderman at 678-566-7200 or request your consultation online to get started with your treatment.

Atlanta Capsular Contracture FAQs

What causes capsular contracture?

Capsular contraction is believed to occur in some women as a result of a reaction to the natural bacteria within the breast tissue that stimulates a response that causes the capsule tissue to contract and tighten. These are not considered infections, and treatment with antibiotics does not result in resolution. Other possible causes reported can include tissue trauma during insertion, bleeding during insertion, changes in hormonal condition, generalized infections, past blunt trauma, surgical technique, and autoimmune tendencies, and may be multifactorial (dependent on several factors).

Should I re-implant after the breast implant is removed?

The decision to re-implant should be carefully deliberated. If you have developed a capsular contracture once, you are at a higher risk of a recurrence. If your implants were originally above the muscle, the option of replacing them below the muscle may be considered, and vice versa. In some cases, the best option is to remove the implant and capsule, allow for healing, and then consider options at a later date.

How do I know if I have a capsular contracture?

When a capsular contracture occurs, the tightening will gradually make your breast feel hard because of pressure on the implant. The hardness can occur quite rapidly and be noticeable over days or weeks or in some women, the tightening of the capsules may be so gradual that they may not be able to remember when their breast first became firm, hard, or misshapen.

What kind of symptoms might I have?

Many women will complain of pain, discomfort, soreness, or interference with physical or sexual activity when a capsular contraction occurs. You may experience discomfort in the chest, shoulder, rib, and back, numbness, tightness, heaviness, or non-specific irritation from capsular contractures. Some women will be generally embarrassed to give someone a hug because their breast feels too hard. Clothing may become an issue because of the firmness and shape change of the breast.

Does a capsular contracture mean my implant is ruptured?

Capsular contraction can be associated with ruptured implants, particularly when significant chronic inflammatory changes occur. However, patients with intact implants, saline or gel, may develop capsular contractures. Capsules, when tightened, may become thickened or remain thin and still cause implant shape change. Capsular contraction can occur with saline or silicone implants, textured or smooth implants, and with implants placed above or below the muscles, and with other factors. Dr. Rudderman will explain which implants are most likely appropriate for your specific needs, and review their characteristics, warranty information, and general risks of use.

Does Dr. Rudderman perform the entire capsular contracture surgery?

Yes, he performs all his patient’s surgeries. Many surgeons use assistants to suture or perform part of the operations. Dr. Rudderman performs the entire operation on every patient.

Will there be any pain with capsular contracture surgery?

All surgeries involve some discomfort. Dr. Rudderman is highly skilled and uses advanced techniques and refined instruments that maximize comfort during his surgical procedures. Many patients will take either minimal pain medications for several days and then switch to Tylenol.

How long before I can exercise after capsular contracture surgery?

Avoid all aerobic exercise for 3 to 4 weeks or until Dr. Rudderman has cleared you to do so. Most clients may begin more aggressive physical activity in 4 weeks, including yoga, tennis, swimming, boot camp, or Pilates. We will help guide your return to activity at each post-operative visit.

Exercise can be an important part of recovery, and we follow your recovery closely to help you reach your goals.

Can capsular contracture be treated without surgery?

There are several medications that have been reported to reduce the potential for recurrence of capsular contracture following surgery. Some patients have noted a stabilization of their tightening. It is extremely unlikely that any significant capsular contracture will resolve without surgery. Some surgeons have used a technique called closed capsulotomy to treat contractures without surgery. This is an outdated technique where the breast is squeezed to tear the lining and release the tension. There is a high risk of implant rupture with this technique and unpredictable tissue damage that most always results in more, not less scar tissue.

There are several supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties that have been reported to help reduce recurrence.

Will my capsular contracture recur?

There is no way to accurately predict if you will have a recurrence. Women who have developed a contracture are definitely more likely to have a recurrence in the future.

What happens if my capsular contracture happens again?

There are patients who have had a second operation to remove the capsule with success. There are options as well to use a graft material called Acellular Dermal Matrix during surgery after a capsulectomy. This is not foolproof, but some studies have demonstrated decreased contracture rates after use of this material. This does require drains for 5+ days, and there is an additional cost associated with the use of this material. This option should be carefully discussed before surgery.

How will I look if I don’t want to replace my implants?

Many women will decide not to replace implants. Your appearance after surgery will depend significantly on how much of your current breast volume is tissue vs. implant. Your cup size may generally be similar to your cup size before implants were placed. However, women who have had several pregnancies may have less OR more breast tissue than at the time of augmentation. Women who are near or through menopause may have experienced volume changes in breast, more commonly larger than smaller. Patients who have had gradual weight gain may also have more native breast volume. And removal of implants placed above vs. below the muscle can impact the shape after surgery. All of these factors will be discussed during your consultation so that you can have a reasonable idea of possible outcomes before your breast implant removal surgery.

Will I have a board-certified anesthesiologist for my capsular contracture surgery?

Yes. All cases are supervised by a board-certified medical doctor who specializes in anesthesiology.

Is the surgery done in an accredited facility?

All our surgeries are performed in a fully accredited surgery facility using state-of-the-art technologies and a world-class staff with all the comfort and safety factors of a hospital surgery suite.

Does insurance cover capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture surgery is usually considered to be a cosmetic procedure, especially when the original surgery was cosmetic in nature. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, there may be exceptions for removal of implants and capsulectomy, so you should check directly with your provider for this answer.

Is financing available?

Yes. Financing through Care Credit is available for all the breast procedures Dr. Rudderman performs.