Capsular contracture 2 weeks post op appt?

Question

500cc right and 540 left saline under the muscle implants. Today at my 2 wk dr said I have capsular contracture in my right breast and ordered me to aggressively massage it 8 times a day. I've had much more pain from day 1 in my right breast. I'm worried it may be my muscles attempting to heal and all of this massaging will hurt the healing. No fluid or infection detected. No swelling. Just much tighter on the right breast. From what I've read, it seems at 2 weeks it's not capsular?

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I agree with my colleague.  Capsular contracture is usually a later finding.  Your capsule has barely formed at 2 weeks post op.  Continue to follow up with your surgeon evaluation.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Robert N. Severinac, MD · Answer

My opinion with your description is that the pocket created for the right  implant may not be big enough.  A capsular contracture is when too much scar tissue builds up around the implant in the healing process.  Since scar tissue formation and tightening takes months to develop, a capsular contracture would typically occur months or even years later.Massage the breasts should not hurt the healing tissues.  There is a chance that your result will become softer as the swelling and any fluid around the implant subsides.  If the right breast remains the same at 3 months, then a surgery to make the pocket larger may be necessary.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, capsular contracture is usually a later finding.  Most importantly you are being evaluated by your surgeon regularly.  Please continue close follow up and best of luck.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, I have yet to see CC at two weeks post op in a primary breast augmentation.  I am sure it can happen but it is too early to tell.  I can't even think of a mechanism how that would happen.  Your capsule is barely formed.Massage can be very helpful so follow your surgeon's guidance.Best Wishes,nana Mizuguchi

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, capsular contracture is a very unfortunate condition that may
develop after breast augmentation surgery. The cause is an enigma and we have
some suspicions that it may be caused by subclinical bacterial infection, or
excessive bleeding during or after surgery. The treatment is also complicated
and some PS will through the kitchen sink at it trying to make it go away. Sometimes
it works, other times it does not. Ultrasound, asthma medications, reoperating,
scar tissue removal, changing to a different breast pocket, breast implant
exchange and even implant removal have been suggested to treat it. The other
problem is that it may go away after all of these heroic efforts only to have
it return. In other cases, one of these may work and it does not come back. It
is a tough problem.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown 
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

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Capsular contracture 2 weeks post op appt?

Answers (8)

Answer: Capsular contracture?????

Answer: Capsular contracture?????

Answer: Capsular contracture prevention after breast augmentation

Answer: Capsular contracture prevention after breast augmentation

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