How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture? (Photo)

Question

Teardrop implants almost 10 years ago. All of a sudden I have a mild ache with burning sensation but it’s not constant, on one side, only the outer edge. How does a surgeon diagnose this? It’s only been ten days,sometimes it seems perfectly normal again. A revision surgery costs more if there’s contracture but how would a surgeon know if it’s there or not til he/she is ‘in there’ with the actual op, TIA (10 days of discomfort)

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

We usually diagnose a capsular contracture on clinical examination. The affected breast is usually firm, the shape of the implant can be distorted, the implant and the breast can be disassociated meaning the implant can be much higher than the opposite side and the breast can be falling off the implant.

The patient may have pain to touch of the breast, or a patient may experience pain while sleeping or during the day experience a constant pain. A capsular contracture however, does not always hurt so it is possible to have a hard breast and have it be pain free.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LilPeach,
a capsule can be detected by any experienced breast surgeon at a consultation in person. There are a number of ways Dr's detect.  I would suggest going back to the Dr who did your initial implants or to a new experienced breast surgeon. Wishing you the best of luck!
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Raja Mohan, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery, when the scar tissue around a breast implant tightens and hardens: ExplanationThe body forms a thin, pliable, and translucent capsule of scar tissue around a breast implant as a normal response to the foreign object. However, in capsular contracture, the capsule thickens and tightens, squeezing the implant and causing the breast to feel hard and painful, and look abnormal. SeverityCapsular contracture can range in severity from mild to severe. The Baker Scale is used to grade the severity of capsular contracture: Grade I: No contracture or asymptomatic Grade II: Mild contracture that is painless and almost undetectable Grade III: Moderate contracture with some firmness and discomfort Grade IV: Severe contracture that is painful and can be diagnosed by observation alone PrevalenceAbout one in six women who have breast augmentation surgery will experience some degree of capsular contracture. CauseCapsular contracture is caused by anything that leads to inflammation of the capsule. TreatmentPlastic surgeons can perform breast augmentation revision procedures to treat capsular contracture.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.
A diagnosis of capsular contracture is based upon your history and physical examination by your plastic surgeon.
Capsular contracture occurs slowly over time and on physical examination the implant feels firm or hard.  In addition the contraction of scar tissue causes the implant to move upwards on the chest and appear more rounded.  In addition discomfort or pain is often a symptom of an evolving capsular contracture.
I recommend that you see your plastic surgeon for an examination.
In addition if you have teardrop shaped implants they are textured with a irregular "furry" surface.  Recently there has been evidence of an association of an unusual and rare form of tumor occurring around textured breast implants.  For this reason I would definitely encourage you to have an examination by your plastic surgeon and at least at "MRI" exam.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A capsular contracture develops slowly and is easy to diagnose by the look and feel of the breast. The breast gets typically rounder and moves higher on the chest and when you pinch it in it feels much firmer than it should or the other one does.

How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture?

Answer: How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture?

Answer: Getting way ahead of yourself

Answer: Getting way ahead of yourself

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture?

Answer: How does a surgeon diagnose capsular contracture?

Answer: Getting way ahead of yourself

Answer: Getting way ahead of yourself

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.