Can a capsular contracture seem to suddenly appear overnight? (Photo)

Unlikely that capsular contracture will occur overnight.  Sometimes, injury and bleeding can occur (normally in one breast) and this can lead to capsular contracture.  Definitely go to your board certified plastic surgeon for a physical examination.

Although there are possible other reasons for your breasts to be swollen and firm, it is also possible that this is a manifestation of capsular contracture. Although it is usually a slow progressive event, you may have not noticed the early changes. Other possible causes could be bleeding or trauma to your breast which could have caused firmness and swelling or possibly a muscle injury. Your plastic surgeon will take a good history and with a good exam can give you a better idea. Good luck.

Capsular contracture is insidious and manifests itself over many weeks. However might reach a critical point where the patient first artist to notice it. If your breast indeed did become firm overnight this should be reported to your plastic surgeon fairly quickly as it may suggest a seroma particularly if texturized implants were placed.

You  may not have noticed it before, but you may have a capsular contracture which would best be evaluated in person .

Hi Kate, Thank for sharing your excellent question and photos about capsular contracture seeming to happen almost overnight.  This is an unfortunate experience for some breast augmentation patients and while capsular contracture doesn't commonly present "immediately overnight", it can present in different ways in different people.  If you're able to see your plastic surgeon in person sooner than a few weeks from now I'd encourage that. Thank you for sharing your breast implant question and I hope this has been helpful.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS 

Yes, it is possible for a capsular contracture to seem to appear suddenly overnight.  Even though the capsule was getting tighter over a longer period, once the tighting reaches a certain point, just a small  change can make the breast feel significantly harder.  Check back with your surgeon.  He/she can determine if this is a capsular contracture or a seroma and give you options of treatment in your case.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.