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Could This Be Capsular Contraction?

I had saline breast implants done UNDER the skin ontop of the muscle two's ago and i had ABSOLUTLEY NO PAIN following my surgery but now in my right breast i have this sharp tearing pain and that's the only way i can describe this pain.when i move my breast is certain positions it feel's like something is tearing,i can also feel what feels like a knot or tube when i tighten my chest muscle.What could this be?The picture is two weeks after,to me both breast dont look the same.Is it just me? this photo was taken two wks after surgery.it's the side with the tattoo.The tattoo was done 2 years ago.

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by SATAJZA in Detroit, MI

Doctor Answers (15)
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Breast Implant Capsule or Normal Healing

Based on this one view and not knowing the exact time frame from the surgery date, your breast could represent mild capsular contracture or an implant that is high-riding. What you describe as far as your symptoms appears to be capsular comtracture starting to form. This is much more common when implants are placed above the muscle that is why it is important to perform a "dual-plane" or sub-perctoral placement of your breast implants. It is common in breast augmentation... more

Shooting Pains Soon After Augmentation are Normal

It's common to have shooting pains in the first weeks - months after augmentation. The nerves get quite a stretch from the augmentation and will send out shooting pains from time to time, until the nerves can grow to accommodate the implants. This is not a typical sign of capsule contracture.

Shooting pains after breast implant augmentation surgery is common especially between 10 days-3 weeks

Your breasts look reasonably even to me but that does not explain the pain. Two weeks after surgery it is not uncommon to experience shooting pain called dysesthesias. Give it 4-06 weeks for the possibly irritated nerves to calm down. Keep in touch with your surgon

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Is it capsule?

I think your problems come from saline on top of the muscle and be oversized.You have a capsule and as it forms it can contract and cause pain.From you photos it looks as though your breasts are very tight.Massage may help and taking a non steroidal anti inflammatory for a few weeks may help such as motrin.

Breast pain after implants.

It is unclear from your question the time frame you are discussing after your surgery. You would be best served discussing this situation with your surgeon to get an answer that is specific to your case.

Too early for capsular contracture

I am a bit unclear as to the timing of your surgery. If it truly was 2 weeks ago, this is far too early for capsular contracture. Pain associated in the early postoperative period is either directly related to the procedure or to an early complication such as a hematoma. It is difficult to evaluate from the picture you have provided. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon and express your concerns.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Capsule contraction can certainly first appear as tenderness in the breast and if you are concerned I would certainly advice you

Thank you very much for your enquiry, it does like as if the side with the tattoo is slightly higher and slightly more prominent in its upper portion than the left breast. Capsule contraction can certainly first appear as tenderness in the breast and if you are concerned I would certainly advice you to see your surgeon so that they can assess the area and advice whether you have got the capsules. As you know there are many different options for treating capsules and it would be... more

Early capsular contracture

Since your surgery was only two weeks ago, it is too premature to classify this as capsular contracture. Your breasts look fairly symmetric; remember that every person has some degree of asymmetry which is natural and this may become more noticeable after breast augmentation. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon if you are concerned. Usually in the early postoperative period massaging can help soften your implants. You may also want to ask you... more

Capusular contracture has specific timing and findings

Dear SATAJZA, From your question it is unclear when your surgery occurred. The photos was done at 2 weeks post surgery. At this point in time, it could not be capsular contracture. Capsular contracture usually takes at least a few months to form. The pain you are feeling may be discomfort from the healing if yor are still at an early stage. If you had your surgery more than 6 months ago, capsular contracture is possible; common findings include a firmer feel than the other side,... more

Early capsular contracture after breast augmentation

It is unusual to say the least to see capsular contracture two weeks after breast augmentation. It does not mean that your implants are not where they should be and again, it is early after your operation. I would go back to your surgeon and discuss the situation and possibly start some implant massage. Whatever you choose, communication with your surgeon is top priority.

Jay Calvert, MD

20 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Pain unlikely to be due to capsular contracture

It is unlikely that you would develop capsular contracture so soon after surgery. Rather, I suspect that the symptoms you are having a due to normal healing, and the tightness or "tearing" sensations that you have are due to the nerves and tissues stretching and healing .

Subglandular capsular contracture

It is not clear form your question when the surgery was performed. If it was just 2 weeks ago it is more likley that the implants have not come down and you are feeling some post-op pain. If it is 2 years ago and the implants drifted "north" and you have pain it is more likely a capsular contracture.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Subglandular capsular contracture

This picture is demonstrates slightly high riding implants. Capsular contracture affects implants placed on top of the muscle more often than those placed submuscularly, but it takes months to develop. Pain is unusual at 2 weeks, but not unheard of. Nerves are often stretched, cut, or bruised during this procedure. Keep close follow up with your doctor. At this stage, I general recommend that my patients continue breast massage multiple times per day. There is... more

Capsular contracture? Or just early healing?

Your photo may or may not show capsular contracture, but it's doubtful so early after surgery. Your pain may just be due to the healing process (scar tissue contracts and pulls before it softens). But you should see your surgeon and have her evaluate you soon.