How Long is Recovery from Capsular Contraction Surgery? How Long Before I Can Lift Weights?

Question

I am 3 months post op from breast aug surg with 280 cc silicone implants placed under the muscle.I have capsular contraction in the left he didnt give me a grade im guessin 2 its not too hard just very fixed and high.The right has mild bottoming out. He wants to fix both after 6 months. Do I need new implants? How long is recovery? If I wait 6 months would it matter to wait longer? I'm still massaging it's helped it from getting worse and maybe kept things softer but I doubt it's going to drop.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients will feel sore and tired during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. During these first few days, you may engage in light activities, but must refrain from lifting or raising  your arms above your head. Swelling and bruising will subside during the first week after surgery and can be managed by pain medication. The initial surgical tapes will be removed a few weeks after surgery during a post operative visit. Revision patients typically may return to a work a few days after surgery (only a light workload during the first two weeks). Showers are permitted on post op day #3 if there are no drains.Scars will progressively fade throughout the first year following surgery and products may be applied a fews later but only with your surgeon's permission .

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you have a capsular contracture, then the implants should be changed at the time of surgery.  One of the theories on contracture has to do with biofilm on the implants.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Hughesplasticsurgery Los Angeles, CA

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	Capsular contracture requires surgical intervention that involves removing the hardened capsule and replacing the implant to prevent recurrence. The recovery from this procedure is typically easier than the initial augmentation because the muscle has already been elevated and the skin has already stretched out.  Light exercise can typically be resumed in two to four weeks and increased as tolerated.
	Six months is a reasonable amount of time to wait to allow for the implant that is “bottoming out” to settle, as long as the capsular contracture is manageable for you and there are no indications for having surgery sooner.

	I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If it is a true capsular contracture then you probably need to have the implants removed and exchanged.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

does create the look you describe.  I would encourage you to not give up on your massaging and even, upper pole pressure on the high side if you have been instructed on how to do that.  There is still  a chance you could improve your symmetry and avoid surgery.  If you have a capsule truly developing, you may need a reoperation to improve your results.  You should discuss the best ways of avoiding another contracture with your surgeon so you can pick and choose from the many things that are attempted to diminish the risk for contractures.

How Long is Recovery from Capsular Contraction Surgery? How Long Before I Can Lift Weights?

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Implant malposition after augmentation

Answer: Implant malposition after augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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How Long is Recovery from Capsular Contraction Surgery? How Long Before I Can Lift Weights?

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Capsular contracture

Answer: Implant malposition after augmentation

Answer: Implant malposition after augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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