Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why?

asked 1 year ago by 746320anon in new orleans
Latest answer by David Finkle, MD
Question viewed 459 times
Tags: causes, swelling

I have one swollen breast that is higher and more full looking than the other. I had breast augmentation done 6 years ago. There is no pain. I had started to work out again a couple of days before I noticed the difference but there is no pain in the area. Any idea of what could be causing this?

10 answers to Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why?

Breast Swelling needs to be examined

Please see a plastic surgeon to evaluate your situation, there could be a number of different scenarios to account for this and the only way to adequately diagnose it, is to be seen and examined. If it is just capsular contracture, start on Vitamin E, 2,000 International Units/day for 3 months. This is very safe and may help to soften your implant.

David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Swollen breast 6 years later

A swollen breast six years after augmenatation can be several things including a dormant infection, a capsular contracture to name a few. You should get examined.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

One breast higher and fuller than the other 6 years after augmentation

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Malposition of breast implant may be due to capsular contracture

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... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Your breast is NOT swollen.

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... more

Richard H. Fryer, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation

It sounds like you have a breast that has a capsular contracture. This is excessive scar tissue around a breast implant that can cause a change in breast shape and firmness. Sometimes pain is also involved. I would advise you to revisit with your PS if possible or find a couple of board certified plastic surgeons to see for consult. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Swollen, tight, higher Augmented Breast = Scarring around the Implant (Capsular Contracture)

Regarding: "Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why? I have one swollen breast that is higher and more full looking than the other. I had breast augmentation done 6 years ago. There is no pain. I had started to work out again a couple of days before I noticed the difference but there is no pain in the area. Any idea of what could be causing this?" I agree with my colleagues. The most likely explanation is excessive scar formation, Capsular Contracture, around the higher,... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Swollen breast 6 years post-op

Hi, It's very possible you are developing a capsular contracture, or pathologic scar tissue build up around your breast implant. Common symptoms include a higher, firmer and rounder breast. The other possibility could be fluid build-up around the implant, either blood (hematoma) or inflammatory fluid (seroma). Your best bet is an examination with a board-certified plastc surgeon to get answers. Best of luck.

Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Capsular contracture years after breast augmentation

When a breast implant is placed the body attempts to wall it off forming a capsule around the implant. This capsule can be present within a week after surgery & is eventually present in all breasts containing implants. The capsule can be of variable thickness & have different properties from patient to patient & even right breast vs. left breast. Thicker capsules can contract mishaping the breast & in some cases also cause pain. As the capsule contracts it squeezes the... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Unilateral Breast Swelling

You could have scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) which can make the breast look higher or more projecting with associated firmness. A fluid collection ( seroma ) is another possibility. I would recommend an exam by your plastic surgeon to clarify your diagnosis.