Hi I had breast augmentation 9 months ago and my right breast seems harder than my left. Its also a little sore. I am not in pain. Should I be worried? I would be grateful for any help or advice, Thank you so much x
Answer: About Capsular Contracture One of the most common problems is breast capsular #contracture or the development of thickening, and contracture of the capsule that exists around the breast implants. Severe capsule contracture probably occurs in less than 15% of augmentation patients. Every woman has a breast capsule around their implant and this is a normal phenomenon. The capsule itself could be as thin as Saran Wrap but may also become calcified and thickened. As it thickens and shrinks, the patient may develop a feeling a firmness of the breasts and in its worst situation, the breast may become painful and abnormal in appearance, achieving a very round, hard, and uneven appearance. There may be distortion and possible breakage and leakage of an older implant, but may also include a newer #implant. Nicotine users, such as smokers, have up to a 30x increased risk of #capsular contracture. Saline implants may deflate spontaneously. When the patient has significant #symptoms, complete or partial leakage of their saline implant, or concerns regarding silicone leakage, it is recommended that the implant is removed and exchanged. Frequently, this is performed on both sides depending upon the age of the implant. Capsulotomy or opening of the capsule may be required or frequently capsulectomy, which is removal of the scarred capsule, is recommended to ensure adequate pocket dimensions. New implants may then be placed in the same existing position or may undergo a change of #placement frequently from submammary to subpectoral position and, on occasion, the other way around.
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Answer: About Capsular Contracture One of the most common problems is breast capsular #contracture or the development of thickening, and contracture of the capsule that exists around the breast implants. Severe capsule contracture probably occurs in less than 15% of augmentation patients. Every woman has a breast capsule around their implant and this is a normal phenomenon. The capsule itself could be as thin as Saran Wrap but may also become calcified and thickened. As it thickens and shrinks, the patient may develop a feeling a firmness of the breasts and in its worst situation, the breast may become painful and abnormal in appearance, achieving a very round, hard, and uneven appearance. There may be distortion and possible breakage and leakage of an older implant, but may also include a newer #implant. Nicotine users, such as smokers, have up to a 30x increased risk of #capsular contracture. Saline implants may deflate spontaneously. When the patient has significant #symptoms, complete or partial leakage of their saline implant, or concerns regarding silicone leakage, it is recommended that the implant is removed and exchanged. Frequently, this is performed on both sides depending upon the age of the implant. Capsulotomy or opening of the capsule may be required or frequently capsulectomy, which is removal of the scarred capsule, is recommended to ensure adequate pocket dimensions. New implants may then be placed in the same existing position or may undergo a change of #placement frequently from submammary to subpectoral position and, on occasion, the other way around.
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May 2, 2016
Answer: Schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon At 9 months after breast augmentation, your breasts shouldn’t be sore. By now the implants should have settled and feel soft to the touch. The firmness you are experiencing could be an early sign of capsular contracture. You should schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. Be sure to note when the soreness and firmness developed and any changes in your breast prior to the appointment. If you have any other questions and concerns about your breast augmentation, start a list to help you remember everything and make the most out of your appointment.
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May 2, 2016
Answer: Schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon At 9 months after breast augmentation, your breasts shouldn’t be sore. By now the implants should have settled and feel soft to the touch. The firmness you are experiencing could be an early sign of capsular contracture. You should schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon. Be sure to note when the soreness and firmness developed and any changes in your breast prior to the appointment. If you have any other questions and concerns about your breast augmentation, start a list to help you remember everything and make the most out of your appointment.
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April 7, 2016
Answer: Uneven firmness In this time frame, your breasts are becoming uneven as far as there firmness, you should return to see your plastic surgeon. This can be a sign of capsular contracture. Any breast implant is going to form a scar around it which normally is soft and pliable. In some cases, that scar capsule can become firm, contracting, and constricting. In worst case scenario is this can mean a surgical revision to dissect and loosen that scar. There are other options such as massage and potentially, medications to lessen this. Your first step is to visit with your surgeon to determine if this is actually the case.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA
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April 7, 2016
Answer: Uneven firmness In this time frame, your breasts are becoming uneven as far as there firmness, you should return to see your plastic surgeon. This can be a sign of capsular contracture. Any breast implant is going to form a scar around it which normally is soft and pliable. In some cases, that scar capsule can become firm, contracting, and constricting. In worst case scenario is this can mean a surgical revision to dissect and loosen that scar. There are other options such as massage and potentially, medications to lessen this. Your first step is to visit with your surgeon to determine if this is actually the case.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA
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April 6, 2016
Answer: Firm Hello, I would recommend returning to your plastic surgeon so that they can evaluate you and give more specific advice. Potentially things could be capsular contracture, subclinical infection, fluid or blood around the implant, or nothing as you could have overdone some activities and have muscle soreness and maybe mild swelling. Follow up with your PS.
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April 6, 2016
Answer: Firm Hello, I would recommend returning to your plastic surgeon so that they can evaluate you and give more specific advice. Potentially things could be capsular contracture, subclinical infection, fluid or blood around the implant, or nothing as you could have overdone some activities and have muscle soreness and maybe mild swelling. Follow up with your PS.
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April 6, 2016
Answer: Why is my right breast sore and harder than my left one? Thank you for your question. Unfortunately without a series of photographs or more details of your symptoms it is difficult to offer advice. By nine months most of your breast augmentation pain should have resolved and it would be important to rule out other causes such as a capsular contracture that may also be contributing to your breast hardness. It would also be useful to know if these symptoms have recently developed or been present since surgery. See your plastic surgeon in consultation, they are your best resource since they know how your recovery has been up until this point.
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April 6, 2016
Answer: Why is my right breast sore and harder than my left one? Thank you for your question. Unfortunately without a series of photographs or more details of your symptoms it is difficult to offer advice. By nine months most of your breast augmentation pain should have resolved and it would be important to rule out other causes such as a capsular contracture that may also be contributing to your breast hardness. It would also be useful to know if these symptoms have recently developed or been present since surgery. See your plastic surgeon in consultation, they are your best resource since they know how your recovery has been up until this point.
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