I'M ONLY 4 WKS POSTOP w/CC. If possible, I would rate this CC a 6-7 on the Baker Scale. Extremely painful, but always figured from being placed under the muscle, also had a lift. For the past 4 wks I've told my PS the right was diff-very swollen/more painful. As always he says "give it time, it'll be fine. Now he wants me to start lifting weights...adding more pain! He's not really concerned with massaging. Another concern, lymph nodes in armpits are nearly 1" big. Can this be related to CC? Do I need further surgery?
Answer: Don't start lifting, be re-evaluated. 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.
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Answer: Don't start lifting, be re-evaluated. 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.
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April 26, 2011
Answer: Capsular contracture at 3 weeks
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
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April 26, 2011
Answer: Capsular contracture at 3 weeks
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
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March 28, 2019
Answer: Capsular contracture after 4 weeks?
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
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March 28, 2019
Answer: Capsular contracture after 4 weeks?
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
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 27, 2015
Answer: Capsular contracture at 4 weeks post-op--weight lifting won't help!
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!
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January 27, 2015
Answer: Capsular contracture at 4 weeks post-op--weight lifting won't help!
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!
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January 27, 2015
Answer: Signs of Capsular Contracture
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
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
January 27, 2015
Answer: Signs of Capsular Contracture
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
Helpful 2 people found this helpful