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.

Based upon your description it sounds like a capsular contracture. A seroma often feels like fluid moving around in the pocket.

it does sound like you are describing a capsule contracture that the only way to be sure you don't have a seroma is to have an ultrasound of the area. That way you would be sure and can determine the best course of action for improving this. I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon and see if they won't order the ultrasound.Good luck!

Hi, there.Without examining you in-person, it is difficult to determine if you have seroma or capsular contracture.Your plastic surgeon should be able to determine capsular contracture based on examination.Seroma can be diagnosed based on physical examination and ultrasound.If you are not comfortable with your plastic surgeon's diagnosis, you can also get a second opinion.Best regards.

Thank you for the question and the photograph.Both, capsular contracture and seroma, may present in the same fashion. To make the distinction an ultrasound of the breast will be needed. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Please seek in person second opinions. Not sure after again reviewing all your posts exactly what is going on in your case.