2 years post-op revision, submuscular, what’s happened to my implants? (Photos)

Question

I had revision BA 2 years ago to go bigger, both submuscular, doctor told me he didn’t remove existing pocket as it didn’t have any capsular contracture but pockets were asymmetrical. Everything looked fine the first few months but then I started noticing one was way lower than the other. I go back to the doctor and he says he can lift the other implant pocket, I get a second opinion and he tells me I have capsular contracture, I don’t know who’s right and who is wrong I feel so deformed

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine with these photos alone and no physical exam. What is certain is that there is some pocket and fold malposition. I would recommend seeing a very experienced American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon with extensive revisionary breast experience for a physical exam and possible ultrasound. The solution for this would be to manage the internal pockets/capsule (possible remove the capsule if there is in fact capsular contracture), place new implants, support the implants with Galaflex and possibly perform a small lift. This is all very predicated on proper evaluation and expectation understanding of the goal.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Beautiful876751,
I understand your concern. 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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello,It can be difficult to determine the cause of breast asymmetry after breast augmentation surgery. The hallmark of a capsular contracture is firmness of the implant, which is often accompanied by change in implant shape and position.. If the left implant is more firm than the right, you likely have implant malposition secondary to a capsular contracture. If both implants remain soft, it may be implant malposition on the right with bottoming out. It’s important to determine the correct cause because the surgical approach to each would be different. Good luck.

Ryan Endress, MD · Answer

You most likely have developed a capsular contracture, which has resulted in the displacement of the implant and subsequent asymmetry. This is especially true given they started out looking equal and then changed over time, which means the pockets themselves were likely nice and symmetric at the outset. I believe you would need an explantation with capsulectomy and creation of a new pocket to avoid recurrent issues. Hope this helps!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have a capsule on one side which is holding up your implant higher than it should sit. Perhaps go with the second surgeon. You could try oral Accolate and external ultrasound treatments to see if the capsule could be softened and let the implant settle.

2 years post-op revision, submuscular, what’s happened to my implants? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Likely contracture

Answer: Likely contracture

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

2 years post-op revision, submuscular, what’s happened to my implants? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Likely contracture

Answer: Likely contracture

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.