Breast Implants Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,009 Reviews
Breast Implantsbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,932 people and 832 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Is Hard Breast Capsular Contracture?

asked 1 year ago by mage642 in New York
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 115 times

I had augmentation done which included treating mild tubular breast on my left side. 3 weeks after and my right breast is totally fine and my left breast is hard and not moving on the bottom half b/t my nipple and incision scar. Do i have capusular contracture or is it still healing? 280 r/t saline.

6 answers to Is Hard Breast Capsular Contracture?

+1

Is Hard Breast Capsular Contracture?

Is Hard Breast Capsular Contracture? It is unlikely that you have formed a capsular contracture 3 weeks after surgery.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

"Hard Breast" after Breast Augmentation

There is quite a difference between post-surgical Breast stiffness (which is commonly due to temporary inflammation and swelling) and Breast hardness (which MAY be the result of excessive scarring of the normal scar pocket which forms around every implant). I doubt that you have a capsular contracture at 3 weeks. This would be very uncommon. I would massage the breasts, if approved by your surgeon, and ask his opinion on what may be helpful in correcting the stiffness. In... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

TIght breasts

At 3 weeks and also not examining you, it would be hard to say if you are developing a capsule.  They may feel tight because they are stretching out.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contarcture is certainly accompanied by firmness in the breast; the breast also tends to be somewhat misshappen.  However at only 3 weeks postop, I am not certain that your problem is a capsular contracture.  It could also be caused by edema or a hematoma at this point.  You surely should check with your surgeon about this concern.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Early capsular contracture can happen after breast augmentation.

Hi. Be optimistic and sit tight for several months. But you may well have capsular contracture of the left breast.  Correction of tubular shape requires more surgery than just putting in breast implants, and more surgery can lead to contracture. It also sounds like you have some asymmetry which may require a revision. see video
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Capsular contracture

It is very difficult to answer your question without a physical examination.  It would be rather early for capsular contracture to occur, but this can definitely happen, even at 3 weeks.  You should be seeing your surgeon regularly and discussing these issues with him/her.  If that is not possible due to geographic location, or because you have lost confidence in your surgeon, then find a board-certified plastic surgeon and get an evaluation, sooner rather than later... more
Elan B. Singer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question