Is this a small pocket or capsular contracture? (Photos)

This is difficult to answer without looking at your "before" pictures and doing an exam to check on implant mobility... however I think the implant on right side is lower in position. The left may have some level of capsular contracture and needs to be lowered and likely replaced. The right implant may need to repositioned and reinforced with a mesh like Galaflex to support the position higher. I hope that helps!!

All breasts are different right to left before and after any surgery. Pregnancy and breast feeding will also lead to asymmetries.

When you are finished breast feeding, breasts have stopped changing, and do not plan any more pregnancies, you should be evaluated for options.

The larger side would benefit from a lift. Pockets in both sides should be evaluated for capsule, position, upper fullness, better size match, shape, etc. This may include changing implant sizes and possible pocket release with or without mesh.

Further consultations with your/a plastic surgeon during this time are recommended.

Thank you for your inquiry! Reach out to the surgeon for their advice. Being able to feel the area helps determine the cause of the differences. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals!

Dear gzbachi2903,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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

Your question can usually be answered by a good examination. I cannot say from the photographs what has kept your implant out of good position. It seems you have to see a plastic surgeon to talk about any option you might want to pursue to improve your result. Good luck!

It is impossible to tell with great precision how serious breast contracture you have and whether it involves both or just one breast, without in person evaluation. The fact that you had planned revision before pregnancy is telling in favor of breast contracture. Next step should be implant replacement and breast lift. Good luck.

The appearance is characteristic of a capsular contracture , which can be mild so that the breast does not feel firm,
but still enough to elevate the breast and make it appear smaller. Revision surgery should correct the problem , but pregnancy also changes the breast. I Woukd delay revision until you are finished breast feeding.

Although an examination would confirm, it looks like you have capsular contracture of your left implant. To complicate matters, you appear to have borderline waterfall deformity of your right breast, which makes sense given the history of preferential breastfeeding. Go to an expert who can correct both issues. There is no non-surgical remedy for cc.

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on photographs alone, it would be impossible to differentiate the cause of the breast asymmetry. The most common causes would be asymmetry that existed preoperatively, differential pocket dissection or a capsular contracture (or a combination of the three). Did you notice this immediately after surgery, or did this take time to develop? Another important question would be whether the implant on the left is more firm than the implant on the right. If you noticed over time that the breast changed shape and the implant became firm, then you most likely have capsular contracture.

Without examining you in person it’s impossible to know for sure, but a contracture is certainly possible. Whatever the diagnosis, it will not correct itself without revision surgery and this is best done after breast feeding g is completely behind you. Discussion your concerns with your plastic surgeon if you still have confidence in his or her opinion. Overall you have a. Ice result, except for the obvious unfortunate asymmetry. Best of luck to you.