8 months post-op- Do I have capsular contracture? (photo)

Question

Hello, I got under the muscle 385cc gummy bear implants in August 2021. While they look great, I notice that they are soft if I lean/slouch forward and get progressively harder and more fake-looking when I straighten my posture or lean backwards. They do not sit unnaturally high or hurt. What is causing my implants to feel harder?

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing does not sound like capsular contracture. Different positions can make the implant more noticeable which sounds like what you are feeling.

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Hi.  Really cannot say for sure just based on the picture but visually you have a very nice result with very good symmetry.  It is probably just that as you straighten up and pull back that as the muscle has a little more tension on it the implants will feel more firm.  If it bothers you much then I would recommend seeing her plastic surgeon so that he or she can assess you in person and appropriately evaluate and explain all of that.  But again, you appear to have a very nice result.  
Good luck and take care, Dr. Howell

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
It is difficult to tell based on one photo whether you have capsular contracture.
Also, it can take up to 1 year for the final wound healing to take place and for implants to settle down in the final position, and you may experience some pain during the wound healing process.
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Good luck!
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  You do not appear to have a severe, if any, capsular contracture taking place and the fact that they feel differently with position changes is quite normal and expected.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exuberant431267,
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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! It just sounds like they get tighter as you straighten your shoulders because there is more tension. You have a good surgical result! Enjoy!

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello. Thanks for posting your query. Looking at this pic it's difficult to tell whether it's capsular contracture or not. Best I would advice is to visit your surgeon and get examined. Based on examination it can be decided whether imaging will be required or not. Hope I have cleared your query. All the best.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have gummy bear implants which are the hardest implants made. As breast tissue falls away from your implants, you feel more breast and less implant, which feels softer. There is nothing wrong, and it is just the implant you chose.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You have very nice results.  Pulling your shoulders back tightens the chest muscles over the implants causing pressure and a firmer feeling.
Gummy bear implants are firmer than round smooth silicone implants

8 months post-op- Do I have capsular contracture? (photo)

Answers (9)

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