Do I have capsular contracture? (Photos)

Question

I am approaching my one year mark of having my surgery in just a few weeks. My left breast has always been a little troublesome for me. It was numb for a long time and I still think it may be. Upon palpitation, both breast feel the same and look the same. However, I feel like I can feel the implant on my left side when I move certain ways. Also, my left breast has pain but it comes and goes. I was wearing a wired bra everyday but switched to a sports bra and that provided some relief. Thank you!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

The information you provide by way of history as well as the pictures submitted do not suggest capsular contracture as the cause of your symptoms. Best advice is to follow up with your surgeon. They can examine you and explain to you what they think is going on.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Your photographs and description do not indicate capsular contracture.  Best to consult with your plastic surgeon for an in-person examination.  Best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The diagnosis of capsular contracture is tactile. I would suggest you checking with your plastic surgeon for evaluation. Usually capsular contracture is asymptomatic but some patients do complaining of discomfort.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Advice based on photos alone is never as good as in-person examination, but based on your photos it doesn't look like you have a capsular contracture. You may have thinner tissues on the left side causing you to be able to feel the implant. I'd suggest booking an appointment with your surgeon to be examined if you are concerned. Best of luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

From the pictures you posted and what you describe, it looks like you got a nice result with very normal postoperative symptoms of occasional discomfort and no capsular contracture. When concerned, always best to have an in person evaluation by your surgeon.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

You look to have a good result following your breast augmentation and best to get things checked by your PS as it is impossible to diagnose capsular contracture online.

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately capsular contracture can't be diagnosed from photos alone; the first step is to see your surgeon for an in-person exam.
Be sure to check with your board certified plastic surgeon for their specific recommendations.
Hope this is helpful, best of luck!

Jordan P. Farkas, MD · Answer

Hi- There is nothing from your photos or your concerns that would make me concerned about a capsular contracture. Changes to breast sensation make take time to normalize after surgery. Almost all women are able to feel their implant when positioning the breast in a certain position so this is totally normal. Hope your getting used to your new implants and love your result!

A.K. Bhattacharya, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photos.  A Capsular Contracture would have to be diagnosed in person by your Plastic Surgeon.  Usually the signs and symptoms are shape change, pain, and a very tight or hard feeling of the breast.  It seems as though you might be developing a mild Contracture.  It is best to visit your Surgeon for confirmation, and to see what your options are if you are diagnosed with a Contracture.  I hope this was helpful to you.  
Best Wishes, Dr. B.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. It's very difficult to diagnose capsular contracture from photos along unless the CC is very severe. If your two breasts are both soft then you probably do not have a severe CC. The pulling and tugging may just be due to some residual scar tissue. I recommend following up with your surgeon if you still have a concern for CC. Best,~Dr. Sieber

Do I have capsular contracture? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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