One breast is rounder than the other. Has it just not dropped yet or am I forming capsular contracture? (Photo)

Question

I'm 9 weeks post op and my one breast feels awesome no pain but the one that Is round has constant annoying pain .. Is this the start of cc ? My surgeon says to give it time but I'm worried

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In only 9 weeks, most likely you do
not have a capsular contracture. Swelling is assymtetical in the first few
weeks.  Your breasts will soften and change in the coming months. 
Discuss your concerns with your Surgeon. Best Wishes

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

If your breast has been shaped like this from surgery, it is more likely that the implant has not dropped yet or that you had asymmetry with a higher breast fold on the left. If this is a change and the breast was lower and is now tighter and higher, it could be early capsular contracture. Your surgeon who has followed you is the best person to give you advice on this. At this point, I would continue to follow your surgeon's recommendations. It is too early to consider any revision surgery as things may improve with more time.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and photo.Your left breast certainly does look slightly
higher than your right and this does sometimes occur particularly if the
implants are placed partially under the muscle in a dual plane position.

In this case the muscle pulls the implant up into a higher
position.

At 9 weeks following surgery I think it is very unlikely that
capsular contracture would be causing this fullness in the upper part of your
bust.

I certainly think it would be worthwhile discussing your concerns
with your surgeon and in some cases surgeons do recommend special bras with
compression on the upper part of the bust which helps the high implant to lower
slightly.

I hope this information is helpful and please do keep in touch
with Real Self to let us know how you get on.AR

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

Your asymmetry appears to be due to the left implant bulging more superiorly. Since you are only 9 weeks out from surgery, it may still stretch and become symmetric. As long as both are soft, you probably just need more time.But, since you are concerned, you should call your surgeon and be seen.

Robert Shenker, MD · Answer

Without examining you, it is impossible to tell. The possibilities are 1) superior implant malposition (possible) 2) Capsular contracture (most likely) 3) pre-existing asymmetry (least likely). your surgeon, actually any well trained plastic surgeon,  will most likely be able to tell immediately when they examine you. all the best to you!Dr. Robert Shenker MD FRCSC

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

I agree with your surgeon, I would give it more time.  I suspect by your photo that there was a size or shape difference before the surgery, in which case there will be some difference after surgery as well.Follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Breast asymmetry is common and each breast may drop at different rates. In addition, the asymmetry may lead to one implant remaining higher than the other.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

It is unlikely you are developing capsular contraction already.  The left implant appears to be sitting high and has not dropped as fast as the right.  Typically this takes 3-6 weeks, but it can take 3-6 months.  There are some exercises or massage type things you can do to try to move things along.  Also, you can use a bandeau strap to try to help the implant settle.  If it doesn't settle, it can always be lowered surgically if needed, so all is not lost.  Be patient and discuss what you can be doing with your surgeon.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

At 9 weeks post op your breast capsules are forming and it appears that the left breast capsule is somewhat tighter than the right.  If you are doing breast massage, I would suggest you concentrate on the tighter/higher side.  You may also want to ask your surgeon if they would recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as Singulair which may also help.  But give things time, this may improve with conservative treatment short of surgery.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

Generalized pain and a firm implant sound like capsular contracture.It may be late, but I would recommend gentle displacement.See your surgeon again and discuss your concerns.

One breast is rounder than the other. Has it just not dropped yet or am I forming capsular contracture? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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