How fast can capsular contracture develop after breast augmentation?

I had my breast augmentation surgery 15 days ago and had an allergic reaction to a band aid I used over my nipples because they were too sensitive. Suddenly, I felt my breast really tight. Could I have an internal reaction that is causing the contracture? I have had Anaphylactic shock before. How fast can capsular contracture develop after breast augmentation surgery?

Read my review "Breast implants - 390cc filled to 420cc - worried about allergic reaction"

Sort: Date | Helpful
7 answers to “How fast can capsular contracture...”

A: Capsular Contracture this early is unlikely

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Early on after breast augmentation muscular spasms can make things feel pretty tight. You want your surgeon following your through this period though because internal bleeding, infection and other "bad things" can also make things tight. Bleeding in there (hematoma) tends to hurt, so it is... more

A: Early contracture is not the problem

Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Contracture is not going to present this early. It doesn't meant that it won't present at all, nor does it mean that if the pocket is tight there is a higher incidence of it presenting. All it means is that your implant is larger than the pocket that was made for it so it feels tight. In time, your implants... more

A: Earliest capsular contraction occurs 6-8 weeks after breast augmentation

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

The nipple reaction to the band aid is unrelated to firmness of the breast implants. Capsular contraction following breast augmentation with breast implants is a chronic phenomena and occurs late, usually months to years after breast augmentation. I always check my breast implant patients at 6 weeks because... more

A: Time to relax and breath

Christopher L. Hess, MD

It is very normal for the breasts to feel firm two weeks after surgery.  This is due to the stretch on the breast tissue and skin.  The capsule takes a long time to form and even longer to mature.  It's only after it forms that it can develop contracture.  Typically this is a year or... more

A: Capsular contracture

Steven Wallach, MD

It is extremely unlikely to develop a capsular contracture after 2 weeks.  Initial firmness can be due to swelling. An early capsule usually does not develop for at least 4-6 weeks, and that is extremely rare.

A: Unlikely to have a symptomatic capsular contracture at 15 days following a breast augmentaiton

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

At 15 days it is very unlikely that you are developing a capsular contracture.  Most likely you are experiencing some normal periodic swelling along with potential spasm of the chest wall muscle.  Continue with your instructions from your plastic surgeon concerning massage of the implants and give... more

A: Capsular contracture

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

The capsule begins to form within a few days of surgery and contracture can be evident within a few weeks in some cases. Initial firmness can be due to swelling or inadequate pocket dissection rather than true contracture that involves shrinking of the capsule itself. The contrature process is probably... more

Post your question

Breast implants: 679 reviews

77% said it was worth it

Breast implants before & after photos

SPONSORED Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.