1 year postop - Do I have capsular contracture and do I need a Breast Augmentation revision? (photos)

Hi thank you for your question. It is difficult to say based off your photos whether or not you have a capsular contracture. There are different degrees of capsular contracture. If you have a Grade 1-3 it can be subtle and you will need a proper physical examination to determine this. The best way to find out is to contact your Surgeon and be seen in person.

Hi,

Yes, the best way to evaluate for capsular contracture is by physical exam. Your surgeon will evaluate your implants for position, stiffness and any irregularities. Usually, it takes a year before your surgeon can determine if anything else needs to be done. For now, continue your implant massage. Best wishes!

Thank you for the question. Even with the photos, it is very hard to make an accurate assessment and give you advice without an in-person evaluation. Your surgeon will determine whether you have capsular contracture and guide you accordingly. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. Houston, TX.

Good morning,
From your photos you either have bilateral CC's or it could just be that your implants never dropped and fluffed. This could be distinguished by having your PS examine you. Also I would want to measure you to make sure your nipple position isn't a llttle low and needs to be lifted. Your preop photos would also help in this determination if you wish to post them!

Dear ErinMichele205,
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

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It is difficult to comment on what may be taking place without seeing before images and performing an in-person examination of your tissues. Certainly a surgical revision will be needed in either case to improve upon your current results.

It is possible that you have capsular contracture. Depending on the degree, your surgeon may have you try Singulair for treatment. In more severe cases the correction is surgical removal of the implant and capsule. I've included a video about capsular contracture that I hope you find helpful.

Thanks for the question. It is possible you have early capsular contracture but it looks more like mal position of the implants. It is possible the muscle was not released enough or you were not placed in a breast strap after the surgery. Sometimes the details make the difference between a perfect result and your situation. Make sure you are using a board certified plastic surgeon and I am sure they will ultimately be perfect.

An examination is needed to see if you have capsules or if your own breast tissue is sagging. Your surgeon will be able to determine this. You may even have some of both.

Erin
A capsular contracture (CC) is diagnosed by either a physical examination, or patients description of:
Firmness of one or both breasts, increasing over time. Pain, round, misshapen or ball like appearance. A CC may happen at any time postoperatively. If your breasts have always been high like they are now, then it is probably not a CC.
Best wishes
Dr. T