Back to 2026 Abstracts
Association of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use and Development of Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation
Sanjana Challa
*, Sophia Ahn, Alynah J. Adams, Dorien I. Schonebaum, Charlotte Thomas, Samuel J. Lin
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Background: Patients undergoing breast augmentation have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions, for which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed. Prior studies suggest SSRI use may increase postoperative bleeding risk in breast surgery; however, other potential complications remain understudied. This study examined whether preoperative SSRI use is associated with increased short- and long-term postoperative complications following breast augmentation, with particular focus on capsular contracture.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the TriNetX global database. Adult patients undergoing breast augmentation via open or percutaneous approaches were identified using ICD-10-PCS codes and stratified by SSRI prescription within one month prior to surgery. Propensity score matching controlled for demographics and comorbidities, including BMI, anxiety, and mood disorders. Acute outcomes included opioid and non-opioid analgesic prescriptions within 7 days. Long-term outcomes included hematoma or blood transfusion within 60 days and capsular contracture or capsulectomy within 2 years.
Results:A total of 1,189 SSRI users and 36,114 non-users were identified; after matching, each cohort included 1,154 patients. SSRI users were more likely to receive opioid (97.8% vs. 91.9%) and non-opioid analgesics (93.2% vs. 83.8%) within 7 days (both p < 0.0001). Hematoma within 60 days occurred more frequently in SSRI users (26.2% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.01). Capsular contracture (26.0% vs. 19.9%) and capsulectomy (15.8% vs. 11.7%) within 2 years were also significantly higher among SSRI users (p < 0.01). No difference in blood transfusion rates was observed.
Conclusions: Preoperative SSRI use is associated with increased analgesic requirements and higher rates of hematoma, capsular contracture, and capsulectomy following breast augmentation. These findings may aid in patient counseling and risk stratification. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Back to 2026 Abstracts
