Capsular Contracture at 3 Weeks Post-Op - PS Recommends I Lift Weights

It’s unusual
for patients to develop capsular contractures within four weeks of breast
augmentation surgery.Capsule formation
of this magnitude could only occur in response to significant inflammation.Both bleeding with hematoma formation and low
grade infection could be capable of generating this type of response.Although it’s virtually impossible
to make a definitive diagnosis without a physical examination, both of these
conditions should be ruled out.Your
severe pain, swelling, and enlarged lymph nodes suggest that this type of event
may have occurred.Under these circumstances, I
definitely wouldn’t start lifting weights.It’s important that you be reevaluated by your surgeon, and if you’re
not satisfied by his response, it’s appropriate to get a second opinion.It’s not only important to treat your
capsular contracture, but also to treat what may have caused the
condition.

do not weight lift. yes you may or will need revision in the future. keep in mind that the revision rate after augmentation mastopexy is 30-40% in most series. i would stay with your surgeon if you have a good relationship. too early to abandon ship.  yes infection is also a concern. i would be seeing you weekly if not twice a week.  do not know where you got the capsular contracture number

Looking at your pictures, and considering the history that you described I would recommend getting a second opinion.  Make sure your second opinion is a board certified Plastic Surgeon.  Was your initial surgeon a board certified Plastic Surgeon?

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

But at least it gives you something to do while time goes by. Revision should not even be considered for at least two more months, and if things are still changing, many of us would recommend waiting at least 6 months for surgical revision.

Of greater concern is that this swelling and pain may be related to bleeding (now stopped, of course, but the "old blood" is still in the pocket and can be a cause of capsular contracture), or infection. While the latter is less likely than bleeding, it is more serious, and either of these concerns can require re-operation.

Axillary lymphadenopathy can be due just to the inflammation and healing related to surgery, but can also be secondary to these other causes. Capsular contracture does not in itself cause swollen lymph nodes, but both bleeding and bacterial contamination (or infection) can cause swollen lymph nodes as well as increase the risk of developing capsular contracture.

That is why it is important to return to your surgeon for recheck now, not at you next routine appointment. good luck!

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