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Signs of Capsular Contracture?

asked 1 year ago by 5267anon in Orlando
Latest answer by David Bogue, MD
Question viewed 760 times
Tags: 1 year post-op, capsular contracture, hard

I had submuscular silicone implants put in 1 year ago.My right breast looks and feels great, my left one seems to have start looking like it sticks out further and on the bottom inner area it feels & looks hard and more straight than rounded. It also hurts a lot around the same time as my monthly cycle. Overall the left one feels harder all over than my right. I massage them daily. Its been going on for a few months so not sure what I should do or if this is signs of Capsular Contracture?

14 answers to Signs of Capsular Contracture?

+1

Hardness after a breast augmentation.

Capsular contracture typically presents as a progressive tightness, firmness, and elevation of a breast implant. In severe cases, it can lead to intermittent or constant pain. From your description you may be developing a capsular contracture of the left breast. What to do? Call your plastic surgeon and schedule an appointment to be seen. Conservative methods such as massage can help in mild to moderate cases. Surgery is necessary for correction if conservative methods fail. Surgery consists... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+1

Hardness after aug

This is the big question,why one breast is soft and the other hard.It can happen.soem patients may respond to massage or some singular which is a tablet.Sometimes an open capsulectomy is needed.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

+1

Capsular contracture?

This certainly sounds like you have a textbook definition of capsular contracture. At this time, size or any other remedy will have no effect on this process. The only remedy is surgical, and even after this is performed there is no guarantee that it might not reoccur. You should speak to your surgeon and address these issues if you are uncomfortable. Unfortunately, most of the time this is a progressive problem and will not get better.
John E. Sherman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.nyplasticsurg.com

+1

Possible capsular contracture

Unfortunately, it does sound like you have developed a capsular contracture.  If mild, they can be left alone.  The more severe the degree of hardness, the more misshapen the breast will become often becoming more projected outward, rounder, and displaced higher on the chest compared with the softer breast.  They can also become painful.  The only truly effective treatment is surgery to remove the capsule scar tissue and replace the implant.  All other treatments... more
Jeffrey E. Kyllo, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Signs of capsular contracture

Unfortunately it sounds like you might be developing capsular contracture. I would recommend that you make an appointment and see your plastic surgeon. You will probably require capsule removal and replacement of your implant.
Shahin Fazilat, MD

Mountain View Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treatment options for breast hardening

From what you are describing with increased firmness and possibly tenderness to your one breast may indeed be the early signs of capssular contracture. While it is still not known why this begins to occur, there are a few theories of what causes this inflammation of the capsular lining around the breast. Thus available treatments are geared towards decreasing the inflammtion. Oral drug therapy has been found effective in only a small amount of patients wheen started early (Singulaar or... more
Terry Zimmerman, MD

Folsom Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants and Capsular Contracture

I think you are correct in your assumption:  gradual hardening of the breast implant, a change in position of the breast implant, and a change in shape of the breast implant are all classic signs of breast implant capsular contracture.   There is nothing that you could have done or should have done to prevent this from happening.  Unfortunately, at this point there is nothing you can do to slow or stop the progression of capsular contracture either. You may feel... more
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

+1

Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

It certainly sounds like you are developing a capsular contracture.  Make an appointment with your plastic surgeon for an examination and to discuss treatment options.
Sanjiv Kayastha, MD

Albany Plastic Surgeon

www.kplasticsurgery.com

+1

Hardening of the breast likely means capsular contracture

Based on your clinical history, it sounds like you have capsular contracture on your left breast implant (hardened scar tissue).  This is most likely to occur within the first 1-2 years after surgery. Sometimes medical treatment with vitamin E and Singulair can help, but depending upon how firm the scar tissue has become, you may require surgery to remove the scar tissue and replace the implant. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a more detailed examination and... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants - Capsular Contracture?

Hi 5267anon in Orlando, It sounds like you have exactly that - a capsular contracture.  Despite a variety of non-operative treatments that have been described, the greatest likelihood of addressing this successfully involves removing the scar tissue surgically, which means you'll need another procedure.  I'd suggest that you contact your plastic surgeon. Sorry about that, Dr. E  
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Signs of Capsular Contracture?

You have written a wikipedia description of capsule formation. Treatment of re operation offers the best help. 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Caps contr

It sounds like you have the early signs of CC - you should see your PS to determine what is going on
Edward J. Bednar, MD

Charlotte Plastic Surgeon

www.drbednar.com

+1

Signs of Capsular Contracture

It does sound as if you may have a capsular contracture.  The early signs are firmness and some slight change in shape.  With more advanced capsular contracture, there is more distortion of the breast shape.  You should see your plastic surgeon for his/her diagnosis as well as what may be done to improve it.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Signs of capsular contracture

From your description and the time course, it may well be that you have a capsular contracture.  Go back to your surgeon for an exam and they will tell you.  Surgery and implant replacement and scar removal may well be indicated.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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