Why is one implant firmer than the other? Is it capsular contracture?

Question

I got submuscular silicone implants 11 months ago. My left side is soft & moves around well in the pocket, but the right side is much firmer. It still moves around in the pocket like the left side, but feels a little like a ball moving around. My surgeon said the implant was fine, it just had more scar tissue around it than the left. I'm confused...isn't that capsular contracture? I've been doing displacements exercises & he says that will help soften the scar tissue. What's going on? Advice?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Scar tissue forms naturally around the implant, and the firmness you describe is a result of thicker scar tissue than what has formed in your left breast, as you describe it as being softer. Your surgeon is probably right, however you should keep an eye on it. Best of luck.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Just to be clear in our terminology, one implant is not firmer than the other, it is your right breast that is more firm. Or even more accurately, you have less implant movement on your right side than your left. This is capsular contracture, though by your description, it is mild (Baker 1 to Baker 2).

	The scar capsule your body forms around any surgically-implanted object can either be thin, soft, and pliable, with a pocket size larger than your implant, which allows normal movement within the capsule, or it can be thick, tight, and uncomfortable. The thicker (more) scar around your right implant has contracted to a degree that has not restricted movement entirely, but which makes it feel ball-like as you move it along with the breast rather than within it.

	Scar tissue can indeed soften and stretch as it matures, but at 11 months there may be very little of this to yet occur, even with continued implant movement exercises. If this obvious discrepancy persists, return to your surgeon. Additional surgery may be necessary to improve your softness, movement, and symmetry. Best wishes!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Each breast will always feel a bit different.  As for capsulate contracture, this is best assessed by physical exam and by your symptoms.

Why is one implant firmer than the other? Is it capsular contracture?

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Why is one implant firmer than the other? Is it capsular contracture?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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