Breast stiffness after breast augmentation- 12 day post op. Can this mean capsular contracture? (Photo)

At only 11 days post surgery, your implants will feel very firm and will not move at all. This is totally normal. You should notice your implants becoming softer within the next several weeks. By six weeks post surgery they will look much better and begin to move a little. The implants will continue to soften, settle and move more for 9 months. If you were to develop capsular contracture it wouldn't become apparent until at least 3 months with one breast becoming consistently firmer while the other continues to soften.Your result looks great at this early phase of healing. Be patient and you should have an excellent result.

HI Mara, I agree with the other doctors who have replied. Most likekly your stiffness is due to swelling which is very typical after a breast augmentation. You might try icing the breasts a little bit every day, if this is OK with your plastic surgeon. Sometimes it is helpful to sleep with your arms on a few pillows to ease the lymphatic drainage. You might also ask your plastic surgeon if a muscle relaxant could be in order as well.Hope this helps.Best,Dr. Rodgers

At 12 days there is just the beginning of capsule creation after breast augmentation. Any rigidity would be due to swelling.

Thanks for your question and the pics. It looks like you will have a great result. Way to early to worry about contracture. First of all, it is very uncommon. Secondly, it takes months and months or even years to develop in those unlucky few. The type of implant used accounts for the firm feel as well as overall swelling. If you have an anatomic shaped textured device it will definitely feel more firm. Best of Luck!

It is way too early to detect capsular contracture. Please be patient and discuss with your plastic surgeon. Tissue expansion exercfses may be useful soon as well as vitamin E.

Hello, capsular contracture is uncommon and it usually takes a long time to develop (months to years).  Shortly after surgery your breast firmness is much more likely due to normal tissue swelling.  If you are having significant symptoms I'd recommend letting your surgeon know so they can ensure you are healing normally.

The stiffness and limit of range of motion is farily common after an augmentation in the submuscular (under the muscle) position. Implants tend to move up after the surgery because of muscle contraction/spasm and it is the path of least resistance initially for the implant. This tends to "settle" down in time and implants become soft and more mobile. Eleven days would be to early to diagnose a capsular contracture. Follow up with your plastic surgeon if you have any concers.

Stiffness, firmness, immobility is normal so soon after surgery.  It does not mean breast contracture.   Relax and be patient.