How Long Does Swelling Last After Open Capsulotomy?

Question

I had a second revision on right breast on March 17. It is still swollen and I have a small lump in the right upper outside that I noticed yesterday. I was instructed not to massage for 3 weeks, but am concerned about scar forming before that. Any thoughts? How long does the swelling last? Thanks in advance!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients undergoing capsulotomy can anticipate
significant swelling in the immediate post-operative period.This swelling resolves quickly with the vast
majority being gone in about three weeks.Almost all of the visible swelling is gone in 4 to 6 weeks, but small
amounts of residual swelling may be present for up to 3 to 4 months following
surgery.Compression
bras and dressings are frequently used following capsulotomy to minimize
swelling.Swelling can add to a
patient’s post-operative discomfort.It
can also increase anxiety regarding breast size immediately after surgery.For
these reasons, we feel it’s important for the patient and surgeon to have good
communication regarding this topic immediately following surgery.In this situation, a little reassurance can
go a long way towards making this a more comfortable experience.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients will feel #sore and tired during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. During these first few days, you may engage in light activities, but must refrain from lifting or raising  your arms above your head.

Swelling and bruising will subside during the first week after surgery and can be managed by pain medication. The initial surgical tapes will be removed a few weeks after surgery during a post operative visit. #Revision patients typically may return to a work a few days after surgery (only a light workload during the first two weeks). Showers are permitted on post op day three if there are no drains.Scars will progressively fade throughout the first year following surgery and products may be applied a few later but only with your surgeon's permission.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.In general, capsulotomy tends to have less swelling than capsulectomy
but it is still normal to have swelling after the procedure.The majority of the swelling will go away
after about a month or so, but it can take up to a few months before the
swelling is completely gone.As for the
massage, I would most definitely follow the advice of your surgeon for
this.I hope this helps.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

There should not be much swelling after a capsulotomy. If there is a lot and that breast is much larger then the other, you might have a fluid collection. The small "lump" may represent fluid or, be a bulge from the implant resulting from the capsule being opened in that area. If the "lump" feels like the rest of the implant, that is what it probably is. I am sure you have or will be seeing your surgeon about this!

William Aiello, MD · Answer

Hi PK, Swelling may still persists for a few more weeks. It's not uncommon for patients to have some degree of swelling for a few months, not just a few weeks. Keep in close contact with your surgeon so they may rule out any complications like excess fluid collections. Immediate post surgical concerns are not the time for internet opinions, you need to see your surgeon, or at the least speak to them.

Brian M. Braithwaite, MD · Answer

Postoperative swelling, especially after capsule procedures can last several weeks. This lump could be a collection of blood or fluid, or even a reactive lymph node. In the presence of swelling, it may be difficult to ascertain the nature of this lump. Nevertheless, I recommend visiting your surgeon promptly, especially if this lump increases in size quickly.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

After a capsulectomy or for that matter any surgery  will leave residual swelling for several months after surgery.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Some swelling after capsulotomy is expected, but usually most is gone after about a month.
Scar tissue formation would not be dependent directly on massage.  The massage will help keep the pocket open and stretch the spasm muscle.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Swelling after surgery can last a while and it is difficult to know without knowing more about your case. Some of these cases are simple and others require more surgery. The longer operations tend to have swelling that takes longer to subside.
The capsule will not recur in such a short period of time. It takes longer to form.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

PK,
At 10 or 12 days out from your surgery it is too early for you to develop a new scar contracture.  The small lump may be a lymph node that is reacting to the trauma of surgery.  Follow up with your surgeon for updates on your progress.  Good luck!

How Long Does Swelling Last After Open Capsulotomy?

Answers (14)

More Breast Implant Revision Questions

Underwire Bra After Bottomed out Implant Revision?

What is the Chance of Recurrence of Symmastia?

Breast Implants That Do Not Settle

Is It Possible to Order Customized Breast Implants?

How Soon Can I Have Breast Augmentation Revision?

Should Folded Breast Implants Be Replaced?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS