Could I have capsular contracture? I’m 6 weeks post op from breast augmentation. (Photos)

Question

My one breast looks weird and has a dent right below the nipple and is still harder than the other. Should I be worried?

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are very early in the healing process, I do not think you are developing a contracture. You are seeing swelling above and below the incision.  I would continue to follow your post-op care as your surgeon has suggested.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in the healing and settling process which typically takes several months.Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during this time for instructions.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your breast augmentation!  Though possible, it is extremely unlikely that you are experiencing a capsular contracture only 6 weeks out from surgery.  Most likely the firmness is a result of muscle spasm and tissue swelling.  It can take up to six months for implants to look and feel more natural.  As for the indentations along your areola, these should improve as your incision scar tissue relaxes.  Hang in there and allow your tissues more time to mature.  Hope this helps.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It's rare for a capsular contracture to start this early, but anything is possible. It's really tough to know based on photos alone. Capsular contracture is more of an in-person diagnosis made by feeling how hard the capsule around the implant is. I'd suggest booking an appointment with your surgeon to be examined and you'll get a better answer. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear edna89,I understand your concern. Capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

If you had a lift then it may take 3-4 months for the soft tissue to redrape. Capsule formation and loss of nipple sensation is higher with a peri areolar incision and many will not use it any more. Capsule would present with a hard breast first and only at advanced stages has a misshapen appearance. See you doc for review and good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I know it's hard to be patient but you are still early in your recovery and more changes are ahead.  You may have heard that breasts are sisters, not twins, meaning it is not uncommon for them to look a little different than each other as well as heal at different rates.  Continue to follow the instructions of your surgeon and report any concerns.

Nilesh Sojitra, MSc, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

hi
It’s very unlikely to get CC that soon. Best speak to your surgeon as there may be a lot of settling to do
All the best
Nilesh Sojitra

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

Thank you for you question.  It is unlikely though possible to have a capsular contracture at six weeks.  It is more likely that with time there will be more relaxation and they will even out some.  The dent looks more like a problem with the closure possibly not getting the layers of tissue lined back together evenly.  This may improve on it own.  I would suggest a follow up appointment with the implanting surgeon.  I would wait for several months before considering any type of revision as it may very well correct itself.
Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Could I have capsular contracture? I’m 6 weeks post op from breast augmentation. (Photos)

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