Is it common for a doctor to detect capsular contracture by reviewing before pics of the patient?

It would be considered very uncommon for a doctor to be able to detect capsular contracture by looking at before pictures of the patient. If the contracture is very significant, it might be visible in a photo, but I would highly recommend that you see your plastic surgeon in person for an exam to determine whether or not you experiencing a capsular contracture.  Good look to you. 

Thank you for your question.  Yes, it is possible to tell if there is capsular contracture by photographs, but the standard is really an in-person exam.  Subtle or not so subtle changes to the breast can be attributed to capsular contracture and can be seen with a photo.  However, for example, an implant that is shifted too far in one direction may be due to other factors other than capsular contracture.  Always best to visit with your plastic surgeon in person and have them examine you to determine what is going on.Best of luck to you.  

Thank you for your question. The only way to truly be able to determine capsular contracture is by physical examination. However, photographs are often useful. Since contracture is graded by feel, look, and presence of pain; it may be able to tell with a fair certainty for the more significant cases of contracture. Hope that this helps!

Capsular contracture may be suspected by looking at before and after pictures, but a physical exam by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is essential.  It's important that you schedule a consultation to review your situation and discuss your options.Good Luck.

A photograph can be the first step in deciding whether or not you have capsular contracture.  The implants may appear to be a different height and/or shape but this could be due to a natural asymmetry.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to tell once you are examined.  Along with the change in appearance, you might notice more of a "tightness" or increased firmness that was not felt before.Good luck!

Capsule contracture is scarring that occurs around a breast implant. Everyone with breast implants gets some scarring around their implants, but most scar tissue is thin and soft. Thick, hard scar tissue makes the implant hard. The implant will rise upward and become less tear drop in shape and more rounded. It will look like a coconut.Some very large implants will look like they have capsules, but it is only the result of the large size of the implant. The best way to diagnose capsular contracture is a physical exam.For more information, read my book "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to Double D".

Dear Sheashaq,thank you for your post.  Yes, if the contracture is obvious, you can see it from across the room.  If it is a low grade contracture, then a physical exam is needed to detect.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Hi, Good quetion!Its very important the personal exam, but a dr. may have an idea looking some pictures. The capsular contracture has four degree. Are four degree of capsular contracture, for the 1 and 2 degree its necessary see the patient personally, in the third degree you can see an deform in the breast , so you can make some idea about it. In four degree the pain is present. Anyway my recommendation is you must see your doctor. Dr. Marte 

While a photo can suggest a capsular contracutre, an exam in person  is essential. Best of luck with your implants.  Hopefully this did not happen.

The only accurate way to diagnose a capsular contracture is by physical examination. Occasionally, MRI can be used, particularly if there is also a question of an implant leak. If you suspect a capsule, you should return to your plastic surgeon for followup.