7 Weeks Post Op for Removal/replacement Pip Implants and Think I May Have Capsular Contracture?

At 5 weeks post op i had cellulitis, my left breast is higher and much harder than the right that feels completly normal. I cannot lift my left arm higher than shoulder hight without discomfort, it feels as tho my breast is being squeezed and when i lie down the left breast becomes rock hard stays firm in place and is quite painful. Please help me as im worrying and my surgeon has told me its way too early for it to be cc but the nurse at the same practice is saying she cant think its anything else

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tasha070683

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (1)

Pain and hardness of breasts after implant replacement surgery

From your description it is most likely that you have either a fluid or blood collection around the implant. This needs to be monitored carefully, especially since you experienced cellulitis. You should see your doctor immediately.

Could be Hematoma

It is most likely not a capsular contracture at this point but a hematoma (collection of blood) that is causing this issue. When you have excessive blood that remains in the breast pocket it is a good setup for infection. While your cellulitis resolved, unpleasant things may be happening inside. I would check your white blood count and maybe get a sonogram to determine if there is an excessive amount of fluid surrounding the left breast implant. If you do have a... more

7 weeks after breast surgery

Cellulitis and pain after a breast augmentation is not a good sign. If the cellulitis resolved you may still have an infection internally. It is best to be seen by your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Capsular contracture is not an early complication, but infection is.

Dear Tasha, I am sorry to hear about your problems. 7 weeks is too early for capsular contracture but you are obviously having problems on your left side. You need to work closely with your surgeon as cellulitis is a significant complication when implants are involved. Any infection needs to be treated aggressively because if the implant gets infected, it will need to be removed and replaced later once things have settled. It is infection that I would be worried... more

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Comments (1)

Tasha070683 11 Nov 2012

Thank you for your reply, I seen my surgeon last week and she said the infection has cleared up and I don't need to go back until the 1st week in December for my 12 week check up. They no the problems im having with it. Do you think I should push to go back sooner than this? i really don't know what to do for the best because they seem to be quite stern as they keep telling me they can't do anything until I'm 12 weeks but like you said I really don't want to risk having to have the implant removed if the infection is still present. Many thanks Tasha

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