My breast look squared 5 years post op. Can this be capsular contracture? (Photos)

Question

Five years after surgery and my breast look square, the bottom part of my breast feels like just breast tissues I don't feel the implant. My left side lol worst and I've have pain in the area of my chest/shoulder area tha started around 5-6 months after surgery. What is wrong? Is a capsular contracture? I want to explant with en bloc to get rid of this pain

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. So capsular contracture is always a possibility but to assess for capsular contracture besides photos, a hands on physical exam to determine the movement of the implant. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns for a better solution given they know your surgical history.

Chul Hwan Seul, MD, PhD · Answer

It looks like a severe case of capsular contracture. There seems to be a superior malposition in which the implant goes up.I would recommend total capsulectomy to remove the implant and remove the entire thickened capsule.You can do that alone, or you can insert a new implant or do a fat graft to alleviate the sagging of the breasts.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Without an in-person evaluation, it's impossible to tell you for sure, but it does appear to be capsular contracture. That implant looks high and if it's causing you discomfort, that is likely the culprit. Please seek out an in-person consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

A definitive diagnosis of capsular contracture would require a physical examination of the breasts and implants. With your many issues a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be recommended. He or she can help you with a diagnosis and offer treatment options.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It certainly is possible that the pain and discomfort you are feeling is related to developing capsular contracture. An en bloc capsulectomy is not the solution for capsular contracture as there is no evidence to support that in the plastic surgery scientific community. I would recommend seeing a board eligible or board certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam and evidence-based recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jdlp843,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implant is sitting up in you armpit. It is most likely capsular contracture. Go see your surgeon is you want it to change their appearance. It will require a revision surgery.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, providing long lasting result with larger breasts (significant breast tissue quantity) after lift, is very difficult; gravity works its way. While implant stays prity much where it is placed, or moves higher due to capsular contracture (to be rulled out in your case),  breast tissue descends due to gravity. Different breast lift techniques are used, some of them using resorbable sheets for breast tissue support; unfortunatelly, none seem to be working with larger, heavier breasts. In some cases of revision, small reduction of breast tissue may be considered and replaced with larger implant. Good luck.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This can definitely be capsular contracture. There are different grades to capsular contracture with the highest grade being a deformed breast with pain. The treatment is to remove the implant as well as the capsule. When your implants are removed your breasts are going to be significantly smaller and deflated appearing. You would benefit from a mastopexy and either replacement of the implants or fat grafting to add some volume. Good luck.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You may have a capsular contracture, but it is difficult to tell based on photos. I recommend you schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon, or with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area, for a complete evaluation. You can then decide on how best to proceed.
Best of luck!

My breast look squared 5 years post op. Can this be capsular contracture? (Photos)

Answers (17)

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