How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Question

I am currently 10 days post BA and during my most recent visit to my doctor he told me that my breasts are still bleeding so to take it easy for this second week. If excess blood is built up within your breast, does this accelerate the capsular contracture process?

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Although it is rare to onset so quickly, capsular contracture may begin to occur as early as one to two months post op.  Follow up with your doctor closely.  After surgery, your body absorbs some blood but excess fluid can lead to capsular contracture.  It is up to your physician to examine you and determine your risk of developing capsular contracture/ assess how much bleeding you have.

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

The capsule takes approximately 10 weeks to form, so it's unlikely you'd see any tightening of the capsule this soon. Despite this, the environment within the breast as it heals is really what sets patients up for contracture later on. Bacteria introduced during surgery, blood around the implant in the postoperative period, and trauma to the breast during the healing period are all risk factors. Pay attention to your surgeon's instructions and take it easy.

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

The exact reason that the scar "capsule" around a breast implant becomes thick and contracted is unknown, but blood in the space around the implant does seem to be one of the risk factors that may lead to contracture, or tightening of the scar "capsule." I believe that a woman's immune response to an implant, which a foreign object, is the major factor in the development of a "capsule" contracture. In my practice I inform my patients that the immune response starts almost immediately, and can be made worse by bleeding or infection, which stimulates the immune system further. If a woman's breast stays soft for 4-6 weeks after surgery then the chance of developing a "capsule" contracture is very low!

Paul H. Rhee, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no concrete answer for your question, but we do know that excess bleeding around an implant can predispose to capsular contracture as a late complication.  If you have a hematoma, it should be drained.  Your doctor is most likely having you take it easy to avoid a hematoma, as transient increases in blood pressure are sometimes felt to increase the potential for early bleeding.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Capsular contracture can happen weeks to years after surgery.  It is more common with patients that have experienced trauma to the breast, which can cause bleeding around the implant.  Follow up with your surgeon as he recommends to avoid any complications.

How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answers (6)

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answers (6)

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Answer: How soon after breast augmentation can capsular contracture occur?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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