1 month post 600cc silicone implants top of breast, they get hard from time to time. Could it be capsular contracture? (photo)

One month after surgery there remains significant swelling, and the implants have not settled. The bresats should gradually be softening, but may intermittently be firmer. I recommend my patients massage to help the softening process. From your photos, your left implant is higher than your right. Should this not correct by three months, surgical correction may be required

Hello,From your photos you appear to be dealing with what I would consider a very common concern for patients after implant surgery.  1 month after your procedure, it is expected that your implants will sit somewhat high in your chest and feel a bit firm as your tissues have not yet relaxed and stretched to accommodate the new volume.  It usually takes 3-6 months for implants to "settle".  Your surgeon may or may not recommend massage or the use of a stabilizer strap or specialized bra during this time to help with the appearance and firmness.  Follow their instructions and follow up in-person for an exam to be certain that you are healing as expected. Hope that helps.Best of luck to you!

Dear nikkis1986,Dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. Capsular contracture affects people approximately one in 20.  No one knows exactly what causes it and what can prevent it completely. It's important for your doctor to use a minimal incision and a Keller funnel as a sleeve to protect the implant from touching anything before goes into the breast pocket.  Singulair has been shown to prevent it Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Thank your for sharing your question and photographs.  Common things being common I do not think this is a capsular contracture as you are still very early in your recovery.  Your current appearance is most likely due to the swelling from surgery flattening your implants and holding them high on your chest.  As this swelling resolves, the volume within the implant will redistribute towards the lower portion of your breast achieving a more natural appearance, and filling your bra cup more.   I know waiting is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of your breast changes should have occurred by then. Hope this helps.

The unnatural shape of the breast and unusual firmness is most likely just because the implants have not yet settled into position and the chest tissues adapted to the large volume that has been added. There will be a notable change in the next 2-3 months regarding the softness and the appearance. If you feel that the implants are too full on the sides and encroaching on your armpits, this will also improve as the implants settle, but may also be due to the fact that your chosen implant size is quite large. Your concerns are very unlikely to be secondary to a capsular contracture. 

You are still early in the healing process and as noted below the implants should begin to drop over time. I would see your plastic surgeon and make sure they are happy with your progress.

That is a real possibility. But only in person examination would allow a definitive dx be offered to you. Best to see your surgeon or seek in person second opinions. The photos tend to indicate early capsular fibrosis but looking over a photo can not be exactly sure...

The fact that it comes and goes may be related to your periods.As you get close to your cycle your breast swell and can become harder.