12 weeks post-op. Could I be developing capsular contracture? (photos)

Question

I am 2months 2weeks post op with under the muscle high profile saline implants (445 cc). I am a little concerned that I may be developing capsular contracture on my right breast. My left one has fully dropped. They both feel the same one is just a little high and every now and then I feel a tingling and burning sensation with numbness. Should I be worried?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's still early into your healing. Hence, it's not likely you are experiencing capsular contracture. Your #healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some #swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences and sensation will be abnormal. Scars will also be changing and asymmetry is not uncommon as each breast heal at different rates before reaching the final result. The use of #Singulair and Vitamin E may also be of benefit. 
But, it can be up to one year see your final result. Your doctor may require you to move or massage the implants within the breast pockets during the #postoperative period. (#Textured implants do not require breast massage.) You must have patience as you heal and if there are any causes of concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Capsular contracture is highly unlikely at this point in your recovery. Keep your post op appointments and inform your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

If you have symmetric breasts preoperatively, this could very well be a capsular contracture. However, this will become evident over the next 3-6 months as a true contracture will only get worse with more discomfort as time passes. I would make sure to keep follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

We don't understand what precipitates capsular contracture most patients but 10 weeks is too early to make a diagnosis.

Sultan Hassan, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.capsular contracture is unlikely at this early stage, whilst from your photographs the appearances are consistent with a small degree of asymmetry with implants that look rather high, it is difficult to make further comment without appropriate examination. if you have concerns it would be best to speak to your own plastic surgeon.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

usually take more time to develop but its certainly not impossible.  Its more likely there is some malposition that manipulation can still help resolve.  Talk to your surgeon about what options are available for you to pursue.  It appears your early post-op photo confirms that your higher side was higher from the beginning.  Doing nothing will not make it better.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes the asymmetry is very troubling. Could be a cc but ONLY IN PERSON examination allows an answer...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At ten weeks pot-op it is highly unlikely that you have a capsular contracture. You have to give it more time to settle as well.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

This early it is possible but not likely that you have capsular contracture especially if the implants both feel the same and soft.  It is likely some residual asymmetry either of the implant or your native breast tissue.  Typically breast implants will settle and change over the first few months after surgery. If some residual asymmetry exists that is related to the implant, sometimes implant massage and/or the Aspen protocol can help achieve better symmetry so that would be worth discussing with your plastic surgeon. I would schedule a followup appointment to discuss your concerns with him/her!

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It is really difficult to comment based on photos with clothing on. At this early time it is more likely that the right implant has not "dropped" than that you have a contracture. But these can only be sorted out with a physical exam accompanied by review of before photos. A visit to your surgeon will be appropriate to discuss your question.All the best.

12 weeks post-op. Could I be developing capsular contracture? (photos)

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