Low-Level Laser Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Capsular Contraction

Abstract

Introduction:

Fibrous capsular contracture is the most frequent complication leading to patient dissatisfaction after breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. This multi-factorial phenomenon has been treated both surgically and nonsurgically with mixed results. At the present time, the more severe grades of capsular contracture are treated most successfully by surgical means.

Materials and Methods:

The LTU-904 laser was used on 33 patients with grades III and IV capsular contractures. Patients underwent laser treatments once a week for a period of 6 weeks. They received a 10-minute treatment using the 904-nm laser with a 2-cm square grid pattern with 1 minute of treatment in each area (300 mJ/1 min treatment = 1.5 J/cm²). Patients were administered a posttreatment survey to determine their level of improvement and satisfaction.

Results:

Surgical intervention was avoided in 93.9% of patients with grade III and IV capsular contraction. Of the patients who avoided surgery, the laser improved the stiffness of the breast by 10–95% (average, 43.6%) and an overall improvement in comfort ranging from 10–95% (average, 48.2%).

Conclusions:

Low-level laser therapy is a promising alternative treatment for grades III and IV capsular contracture. In most cases, both the patient and surgeon observed significant tissue softening and improved breast contour after treatment while avoiding surgical intervention.