3 months post op - is this capsular contracture? Help! (Photo)

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Your pictures are most consistent with failure of the implants to fully settle into their pocket after surgery rather than a capsular contracture.  In most cases of capsular contracture the implant pocket becomes firm and leads to a visible distortion of the implant.  Capsular contracture does require an in-person evaluation for definite diagnosis.  At three months you may still see some settling of your implants, but if they do now you may require a revision procedure to expand the lower portion of each breast to allow the implants to settle lower.  Hang in there and voice your concerns to your surgeon.  

Although capsular contractures following breast augmentation can occur just about any time, most women start having symptoms around three months after their breast implant surgery. This is because it takes some time for a capsule to form and then to scar down (contracture). Therefore it might be too early to see signs of CC but you should check with your doctor and relate your concerns. Capsular Contracture is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the implant thickens and contracts, squeezing the implant making it overly firm or hard and often changing the shape and position of the implant. As the capsule contracts it moves the implant further up your chest wall making upper portion of your breast too large and unshapely. It is more far more common in nicotine users (e.g. smoking, vaping or nicotine gum or patches).Good Luck!

I would visit with your plastic surgeon and get examined. Capsular contracture can only be diagnosed with a physical exam in most cases. At only three months, you could still potentially settle more. Your surgeon may have you perform more aggressive massages, or exercises such as putting the full weight of your body against your implants lying on her stomach. Or, a breast band to help push the implants down. If, in a few months they are still riding high, a surgery to release the lower pocket more, or lift the breast mass higher, may be indicated.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Thanks for the question.Its early to talk about results.In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Hi,If your breast are soft and non painful, they do not have capsule contracture.  The Implants are a bit high.  You may have had a slight bit of ptosis that needed correcting with a dual plane technique.  IF this was not performed, the possibility that the implants may need to be repositioned is not out of the question. 

You do not appear to have capsular contracture if the breasts are soft.  They are very symmetric and the look nice overall.  However some would argue that the most aesthetic position of the implant would be lower on your chest wall with the nipple slightly above the apex of the implant projection.  If this is your concern, then the best option would be a procedure to lower the implant position on both sides. 

When one has the condition of capsular contracture, implants feel quite firm. If one has implants that are soft, it is unlikely that capsular contracture is occurring. Implants often start to drop at around months three to month six. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Further massage may be indicated. At times, a bandeau can be utilized also. Final results may not be seen until six or later months.

Capsular contraction is a physical diagnosis best seen by your surgeon. But based on your history, you sound like you have high riding breast implants.  Your implants may continue to settle depending on the type of breast implants that were placed.I would go and see your surgeon.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

It would be nice to see preop photos, but just from the photos, it looks like the breast implants are in good position but the nipples are a bit low. Perhaps you need a small areola lift?  You would need to be seen in person.

If your implants are soft and not tender then it is unlikely you have a capsular contracture. It issue might be with the pocket holding the implant up high. A breast band at night might help and is something you can ask your surgeon about.