Signs of capsular contracture after breast augmentation?

my breast implants are now 10 years old and stick out more. They feel somewhat harder, but is this the implant or capsular contracture? How does a doctor determine if a patient has this problem?

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6 answers to “Signs of capsular contracture after...”

A: How to diagnose capsular contracture

By Lavinia Chong, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

The reality is that all women who have implants will develop some scar tissue or capsule around the implant. The degree of firming around a breast implant is categorized according to the Baker system: I: soft, natural; II slightly firm, implant edge not visible; III firm, implant edge visible and... more

A: Capuslar contractures following breast augmentation may require further surgery

By Sanjay Grover, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Capsular contracture, or hardening of your breast implants, may be mild or severe. If mild, one can generally leave it alone; however, if severe, the implant can get quite hard or firm and cause some discomfort. Additionally, the implant can look deformed and migrate upwards causing asymmetry of your breasts.... more

A: Capsular contracture

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Williams has provided an outstanding concise answer regarding capsular contracture. Now in answer to your specific question, it is NOT the implant. It sounds as if you have a Baker Grade 2-3 capsular contracture. Implants generally do not get harder or do not dramatically change shape with... more

A: Capsular Contracture Answers

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for the question, Olive. Capsular contracture is something that I help my patients with frequently. One of the most common reasons for people with implants to have additional surgery is capsular contracture. There are four grades of breast capsular contracture - The grading is as follows: Grade I... more

A: You probably have some contracture

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, Contracture is expected to some extent after the placement of breast implants. It is a matter of degree and time, really. Frequently, the contracture is mild and we leave it alone. More severe contracture can raise the question of treatment. Silicone gel implants over the long term are very prone... more

A: If the implants have begun to project more prominently...

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

If the implants have begun to project more prominently forward and feel harder, they are almost certainly being surrounded by exaggerated scar tissues known as "capsular contracture." This can be left alone if it doesn't bother you too much or it can be treated surgically. The options for surgery include... more

Comments

Michael Sinclair MD
141 posts
1 Jun 2008

Breast implants, both saline and silicone, can become surrounded by scar tissue. When that happens, the scar tissue can squeeze the implant into a sphere shape, which can become too firm. This can make breasts appear to have an unnatural shape and to "stick out more". You did not mention if your implants were filled with silicone or saline. If they were filled with silicone, it is also possible that the implants are leaking. The silicone will ooze out of the implant and become surrounded by scar tissue. (When saline implants leak, they usually deflate.) Your doctor can order an MRI of your breasts to look for evidence of silicone leaking out of the implants. If your implants are surrounded by thick scar tissue that is causing problems, you may have the option of having a procedure where the implants are removed, the scar tissue is removed, and then new implants are inserted. Another option is a trial of a medication called Accolate. Accolate is usually used for asthma, but it can make a significant improvement in capsular contraction.

drpancholi
14 posts
31 May 2008

Olive, From what you describe, it appears that you may have capsular contraction. There are different levels of capsular contraction and it doesn't have to happen to both breasts. Essentially what is occuring is the scar tissue that normally surrounds the implant is getting tighter and tighter. As this occurs, the implant will start to get squeezed. At first, people notice the implant seems a little firmer to them. As the contraction progresses, the implant seems to distort its shape and appear higher on their chest and even look a little smaller. Further contraction of scar tissue can result in discomfort and actual coolness of the skin and tissue around the implant. The contraction can be anywhere along the continuum I just described. Your doctor will be able to tell mostly by comparing one breast to the other and looking for major discrepancies in softness and shape. If they are both contracting, your doctor will likely base the determination on ideal conditions. It appears that you are already able to feel the difference from where you were 10 years ago. Many people live with it unknowingly, while others seek treatment from cosmetic dissatisfaction or discomfort. Although there is no guarantee that it won't come back, it can be successfully treated, if necessary.

billie
1 post
21 Mar 2009

I just got breast augmentation 2 weeks ago they are still a little sore but hard how do I tell if that is capsular contraction? And how long does it normally take to drop?

Kirsten M. Rocca
unregistered guest

6 Apr 2009

I would appreciate any insight as soon as possible. Thank you.

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