Breast Augmentation 2 Years Ago - Started Feeling Tight a Week Ago

Hello,

     It possible that you are experiencing mild capsular contracture that may develop at any time after breast augmentation.  The cause of this excessive scar formation is unknown and patients sometimes require revision and replacement of the implant if it progresses to become very uncomfortable.

    Please make certain that you have undergone a thorough breast examination by your physician and yearly mammogram if indicated by your age. Other medical processes must be ruled out and  implant integrity should be evaluated.

Sincerely,

         Dr. Pedy Ganchi

This may be indication of capsular contraction. I would recommend you see your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best of luck.

Likely early capsular contracture.  See your plastic surgeon, and consider a course of Montelukast or Zafirlukast.

May also consider mammogram and/or MRI to image the devices and check for rupture.

In my practice, my patients come back for yearly breast check ups.  This enables the patient to make sure everything is still ok.  You should call your PS and schedule a check up just to be safe. 

Hi there-

Without examining you, it would be hard to say exactly what I think is going on, but I would be worried that you may be developing a capsular contracture.

I would recommend that you visit your surgeon at your earliest convenience.

Unfortunately, you sound like you are experiencing a late breast encapsulation.  It is possible you sustained a muscle tear, but you do not relate a traumatic event and the process is occurring without pain.  You should see your plastic surgeon to be evaluated. 

It sure sounds like you may be developing an early capsular contracture around the left breast implant.  All patients develop a capsule around their implants, but a few can develop a tighter contracture around their implants.  The best treatment for now is restarting a more vigorous massage of your implant four times a day(one minute per time).  Take your hand and start massaging your implant inwards, outwards, up, and down in an effort to "loosen it up".  It is usually best to consult with your plastic surgeon to review the best massage technique.  If the tightness becomes worse or produces pain, surgery may be necessary, so it's wise to start your massage as soon as possible.  Best wishes.

Michael Vincent, MD, FACS

If you are beginning to experience unilateral tightness of a breast, after a 2 year "honeymoon", I concur that the scar envelope around your implant may be getting thicker.  All breast implants elicit a "foreign body" reaction or capsule, which is graded as a Baker I-IV stage.  The lower the stage are preferable.  Surgery (open capsulectomy or capsulotomy) will be recommended for Baker IV capsular contracture, whereas you may be eligible for medical management of less severe stages.  Some modalities include massage or a course of treatment with Accolate or Singulair, which are used in an "off label" method. 

Patients will offer the following observations about capsular contracture: a) my breast feels tight or firm; b) my breast seems to be getting narrower and rising up below my collar bone; c) my nipple is pointing down.  The natural history of breast capsular contracture is steady progression.  The pathogenesis of capsular contracture is unknown but the rates vary from 2-20%, so 2-20/100 women will have another procedure due to accumulation of scar tissue around their implant. 

Please consult with your PS to get their input on your observations.  Good luck.

Capsular contracture describes the tightening of the scar "capsule" around the breast implant. Though the exact causes are not well understood, it is likely that it will occur at some point during the "life" of an implant. When it does occur there are different options and recommendations depending on how advanced the contracture is. You should check with your surgeon with any concerns.

Unexplained tightness which cannot be explained by recent exercise or activity is concerning for capsular contracture. I recommend making an appointment with your plastic surgeon for a thorough examination and treatment options.