Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why?

From your description, I would agree with my colleagues who feel that the symptoms may be compatible with a capsular contracture. Meet with a plastic surgeon to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have one breast that is higher and fuller looking than the other side 6 years after surgery, you likely have a condition called capsular contracture. This basically means the implant has a shell of scar tissue around it which has become hardened over time and has distorted the shape and position of the implant.  The hard scar tissue also may have prevented the implant from settling down into a natural position as it did on the other side.

Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You may require surgery to remove the scar tissue which will help restore better symmetry to your breasts.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno

You have capsular contracture of the breast.  This can be for one of several reasons:

1)hematoma or irritation around the implant from foreign material (talc, carbon, etc)

2)subclinical infection or colonization of the implant with bacteria

3)ruptured silicone implant (you probably have saline from 6 years ago)

4)idiopathic (which means we don't really know why)

Capsular contracture can be fixed with another surgery to release the capsule and correct the underlying problem.