7 weeks post op, Is This Capsular Contracture? (photos)

Dear Violet, Seven weeks is too early to tell if you're developed breast implant capsular contracture. I would suggest you consult with your plastic surgeon. I would suggest breast implant massages twice a day and you may want to try some Singulair. It is true that fluid and hematomas can lead to breast implant capsular contracture. However, swelling and fluid are very common after breast augmentation surgery. Breast swelling usually decreases 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

It's quite early into your healing. Hence, it's not likely you are experiencing capsular contracture. Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some #swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences and sensation will be abnormal. Scars will also be changing and asymmetry is not uncommon as each breast heal at different rates before reaching the final result. The use of #Singulair and Vitamin E may also be of benefit. 
But, it can be up to one year see your final result. Your doctor may require you to move or massage the implants within the breast pockets during the #postoperative period. (#Textured implants do not require breast massage.) You must have patience as you heal and if there are any causes of concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff. 

Capsular contracture is when the tissue around your implant tightens, and this is what squeezes the implant to make it feel harder. If you've just recently noticed that your breasts have changed in shape, feel, and how they project from your body, then you're right - you could be developing capsular contracture (while it is early there is still a chance you may have developed it). While you can feel for yourself for any changes that indicate capsular contracture (signs include hardness, swelling, pain, and a rounder, more ball-like shape), please book an appointment with your surgeon who may examine you to see if it actually is.  The sooner you do this, the sooner you can be diagnosed and treated. Earlier detection is always better. Treatments for capsular contracture include medications, therapeutic massage and stretching, as well as implant removal/replacement. Good luck!

This will require an examination and evaluation to determine if there is a contracture or some possible bleeding and tissue density while healing is occurring.  Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will be of assistance in determining the cause of the tissue difference.  You still are healing and will need at least 6 months to make a full assessment of the outcome.

At 7 weeks swelling the breast after augmentation might make the breasts appear to be suffering from capsular contracture.  Whereas the capsule that forms around all implants is visible after a few days, capsular contracture usually does not emerge for several months at the earliest.

Seven weeks is fairly early to detect capsular contracture since the implants are usually slightly firm at this point anyway-just from the surgery.  Based on these photos alone it's difficult to say, capsular contracture is something that is felt more than detected on visual exam. I recommend having your plastic surgeon exam you to evaluate your implants. You can massage your implants or try taking oral vitamin E to help soften the implants if you do in fact have capsular contracture.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Thank you for the question.  From what you are describing, it sounds like a possible capsular contracture but it's hard to say without an in person exam.  best to visit your surgeon and have a full evaluation.  Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.









An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

It is hard to make this diagnosis in the early stages based on photos.  I would recommend visit with your plastic surgeon.   Thank you for your question.  Capsular Contracture is one of the main risks of breast augmentation.   Classic signs are:

1.  hardness/tightness of the implant
2.  change in implant position (typically migrates towards the collarbone)
3.  increased pain and stiffness on the associated side.
Based on your description, you should see a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation of capsular contracture.    If present, I would recommend a capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue) and implant exchange. 
Factors to consider:
1.  If your implants are above your muscle, you may want to consider switching to underneath the muscle, which lessens the risk of capsular contracture.
2.  If your implants are above the muscle and you desire to keep them there, you may benefit from the use of a textured implant.
Dr. Gill

based on your photo, it appears that the right breast is in fine position and that the left breast is too low. they both appear slightly  "shrink wrapped". this could be a subtle early contracture. your history of bleeding and swelling make me suspicious. there are some non-invasive strategies to employ.talk to your surgeon early. but I fear the left breast will be the problem as generally a low breast only gets lower. if it does bottom out another surgery to re-create the inframammary fold will be necessary. sometimes a cellular dermis is required and if this is your third operation I would recommend it. good luck

Capsular contracture causes the breast implant to become firm and round up within the breast. An early capsule can be felt with drawing and firmness, and a later capsule becoming visible with distortion of the breast. What we note in your photo is that one of the implants is low with a pocket below the natural fold. The high profile implant is now projecting below the nipple causing the nipple to appear higher on the one breast. We don't think massage will get you anywhere. Wait at least six months and if you cannot live with the asymmetry a revision is in order.

Best of luck,

peterejohnsonmd