8 months post op, one breast is harder than the other. What could be causing this?

Question

I’m 8 months post op, but my right breast is harder since operation. When i have traveled back to my country I accidentally lifted my 16kg luggage to my right hand and right boob hurts a lot that lasted whole day. Could that be the reason why my right boob never got soften?. Left boob soft and relax but right is hard, ball shape although i dont feel any pain.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

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 after 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.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

Firmness in the breast following augmentation may be a symptom of capsular contracture. The timeline you presented is not atypical as the majority of capsular contracture would occur within the first two years following surgery. It is best that you contact your surgeon to be evaluated.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear phebz25,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably have developed a capsule which is causing the implant to feel harder. Go see a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss trying Accolate and external ultrasound treatments to help soften the pocket.  Your lifting may have caused some bleeding which can increase the risk of capsule formation.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

It sounds like you have a unilateral (one sided) capsular contracture.  I doubt that lifting your suitcase had any effect on the formation of the contracture (unless you noticed more bruising or and increase in size of the right breast soon after lifting the suitcases).
Ether way, I feel you require a revision breast augmentation with capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue around the implant) and replacement of the implant with a new one (if not replaced, there is a much higher chance of the scar tissue returning.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not likely that lifting the suitcase many months ago would still be impacting the implant today.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to rule out capsular contracture, which can cause the breast to feel hard.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

8 months post op, one breast is harder than the other. What could be causing this?

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