Capsular contracture or high riding implant in left implant? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.
Without an in-person evaluation and only one photo, it can be difficult to determine if this is a case of capsular contracture. Pre-operative photos would also be helpful to differentiate; however, the implants appear to be high at this time. If this is a recent procedure, a bandeau can be of assistance. I recommend you meet with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation and to discuss your concerns.

Dear Philosophical798306,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation. At nine months post op you are seeing your final results and it is unlikely that the implant will descend without intervention. Your surgeon can help you rule out capsular contracture. I have included a video that I hope you find helpful.

By now it is considered a capsule that is keeping the implant sitting high. You could try external ultrasound to see if you get any change.

If you feel the implant hard and difficult to move, you probably have a capsular contracture.If the implant is soft and mobile it is most probably a high riding implant.
Regards, Dr. Galaz

It is difficult to say from a single post-op photo, the cause of the breast asymmetry. You may have natural asymmetries in the size and shape of the breasts and the position of the inframammary fold that were only revealed or accentuated after the surgery. You probably have an early capsule contracture and you could consider taking a leukotriene inhibitor like Singulair at this point. I would discuss your options with your surgeon as many manufacturers now have warranties if capsule contracture occurs within one year of breast augmentation surgery. It may be in your best interest to take advantage of this warranty and undergo corrective surgery before the warranty expires.

The real answer is that you have a superior malposition and that you will need that repaired. Whether you have a CC is determined by how hard the implant is. In my practice, I would take you back to the OR and drop the Left side under sedation directed by me. I will not try that in the office. I do not charge a surgeons fee to do so. The patient is responsible for the OR fee. If you do have a very hard implant and CC, then you might need a more involved procedure.