Recovery after capsulorrhaphy - 7 months post-op BA.

Question

I had a breast augmentation done 7 months ago. Was a 34b, got 350cc silicone under the muscle. When I lay down my chest pretty much looks flat and when I raise my arms my implants are in my armpit. It actually scoops in air and makes a "farting" noise! Ugh! What is the recovery time for getting a capsulorrhaphy? I am in dental school and obviously use my arms to adjust the overhead light and things of that nature. Would I be able to go back to normal activities for dental school in 2 weeks?

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Based on your description- the cavity the implant sits in maybe too large particularly towards your axilla since the implants "are in your armpit".  If that is true you will need a capsulorrhapy  and perhaps some additional tissue support to keep the migration from reoccurring.  I would suggest a surgeon with plenty of experience.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

From your description of your problem, it sounds like your implant pocket was made too large allowing the implant to move around excessively. To correct this, if this is the problem, some of the capsule needs to be excised, and the pocket sutured smaller. The recovery time to return to work is about 7 days providing you are not straining to change the overhead light position. If it seems to be "pulling" too much that may disrupt the sutures. This is usually indicated by pain or discomfort. Your PS should be able to give you more specifics on the procedure  and recovery time.Actual total recovery when the dissected areas have collagen strength is over 3 months. But as said, I expect 7 days is sufficient to return to work if you are careful.Thank you for your question, and best of luck to you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Please seek only in person second opinions to determine the exact nature of your breast revision issues.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear floridagirl217,Capsulorrhaphy procedures for breast augmentation revision can range from relatively straight forward and not technically demanding to extremely complicated.  The recovery times obviously vary in these widely discrepant scenarios.  A frank discussion with your plastic surgeon is in order to define where on the spectrum of breast augmentation revision complexity your planned surgery lies and what his/her recovery predictions will be.  Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question. I think that limitation of activity after capsulorraphy type revisionary breast surgery is very important. In my practice, I would ask that you avoid the use of your arms in the upright or abducted position for at least one month after surgery.  In my opinion, keeping your elbows by your side and avoiding stress on the suture repair (capsulorraphy) will help prevent recurrence of the breast implant malposition. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes for a successful outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

It sounds like the pocket that the implants are currently in is to larger. There are a number of factors that can go into why this has happened.  A new neo-retropectoral pocket and be made to collapse the old space and have the implants in a more appropriate position on the chest.

Recovery after capsulorrhaphy - 7 months post-op BA.

Answers (6)

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