6 months post op, left breast feels tighter than right - should I be worries about capsular contracture?

Thank you for your question! Often times implant firmness can be a result of a capsular contracture. It can also cause the implant to be higher and/or a different shape. A capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant becomes hard and contracts. This can be painless or painful. Capsular contractures have are often times believed to be caused from genetics, a hematoma/seroma, or an infection/Biofilm. An implant removal and capsulectomy is necessary to address a capsular contracture. The capsulectomy removes the hard, contracted scar tissue surrounding the implant. To be sure, see two or more experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have Implant Removal with Capsulectomy. I hope this is helpful.

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

If you are experiencing a significant difference between your left and right breasts six months post breast augmentation surgery, it is essential to reach out to your plastic surgeon for an evaluation.Capsular contracture is a potential complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery. It happens when the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the breast implant becomes tight and constrictive, causing the breast to feel firm, tight, and possibly painful. As a result, the affected breast may appear misshapen or higher on the chest than the other breast.
While it's normal for the breasts to heal at slightly different rates after surgery, significant differences or changes over time, such as one breast feeling tighter than the other, could potentially indicate an issue like capsular contracture. Other signs of capsular contracture may include:
Increased firmness or hardness of the breast.Visible rippling or wrinkling of the implant.Discomfort or pain in the breast.Asymmetry between the two breasts.Changes in breast shape or position.If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to reach out to your surgeon for an assessment. They will examine your breasts, possibly perform imaging tests, and discuss your symptoms to determine if capsular contracture or any other complications are present. Early detection of capsular contracture can increase the chances of successful treatment.
Remember that every individual's healing process is unique, and slight differences between the breasts are not uncommon in the initial stages of recovery. Nevertheless, it's always better to be safe and have a professional evaluate your concerns to provide appropriate guidance and care.

Changes such as those that you described can be indicators of capsular contracture. Your surgeon will be able to advise you further after an examination. If it is found to be capsular contracture, the treatment will vary based on the degree. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

If you have equal movement and shape, you just may be noticing the difference between your two breasts. Your surgeon can examine you to tell if a capsule is a problem.

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your description, it certainly sounds as if you are demonstrating a capsular contracture of the breast.Following the procedure of saline or silicone augmentation mammoplasty, the surgical wounds seal and undergo the healing process. This occurs in the underlying soft tissues as well. The silicone polymer making up the shell of the breast implant is biologically inert, and as such, the body creates a thin filmy internal scar which surrounds the implant, holding it in its position. Thus, all breast implant procedures involve the development of a thin capsule. This becomes problematic only if the scar shrinks substantially around the implant, thus causing a capsular contracture. Manufacturer publications state that this will occur in approximately 10% of all augmentation procedures.Generally, capsular contracture only needs to be addressed if the patient experiences discomfort or if the implant becomes displaced, affecting the aesthetic outcome.The precise cause of capsular contracture is unknown but is unique amongst individuals and their individual immune response to the placement of a foreign body. Its incidence is increased in the presence of infection. Capsular contracture is not predictable nor a by-product of surgical quality. It is highly recommended patients learn and follow a massage routine that will dramatically reduce the incidence of contracture. While postoperative massage will help prevent contracture, there exists the possibility that the degree of contracture may require an outpatient procedure to remove the scar tissue.Your upcoming visit to your surgeon is indeed indicated.Best wishes...

Greetings,
Your breast complaints at 6 months post surgery would benefit from the scheduled return visit and examination by your plastic surgeon. Augmented breasts are not commonly perfectly symmetrical, nor do the implants always feel exactly the same. A re-examination and consultation can help diagnose whether or not you are healing well and may suggest options to address the 'tighter' left breast.
Best Regards,