Can a seroma be mistaken for capsular contracture? (Photo)

Whatever is going on, an exact diagnosis can only be determined with an in person exam. So, schedule an appointment to see your surgeon and/or seek a second opinion from another board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below). Best, Dr. Nazarian

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend appropriate treatment plan at this time.  From what you are describing, it does sound like capsular contracture but that needs to be confirmed by physical exam so please do follow up with your plastic surgeon.



The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz

That is a very confusing situation I agree.  The diagnosis of a seroma is easily answered by either ultrasound or simply opening the incision and checking if there is a pocket of fluid in there.  One can simply drain the seroma and leave behind a small tube to minimize the chance of recurrence.  If the breast implant now feels firm and difficult to move then a capsular contracture could also be part of the problem but the timing seems questionable.  Best Wishes!

 The short answer is that it can be both. The best way to delineate a capsular contracture from a seroma is an ultrasound of your breast. 

It is difficult to say exactly what is going on, without examining you.  You need to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon and perhaps get an ultrasound.  But it does sound like a capsular contracture.