If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks? (Photo)

Question

I had 350 cc saline implants and last year I switched to 600 cc high profile silicone implants. The doctor said he would use the same pocket and keep it nice and tight without needing to adjust it. My implants are not soft at all and feel like he stuffed my new implants in the small pocket made for original 350cc. I have over the muscle implants which doesn't help but they feel just like my saline did without the rippling. My doctor said they are fine and won't do anything even though I'm not happy.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Petri,  Thanks for submitting your picture. From observing your picture, it appears that you have severe capsule contracture and excessively large areolas.   If you were my patient, I would recommend bilateral complete capsulotomy and areola reduction (donut). That should be followed by implants displacement massage for one  year, until the capsule achieves maturation.  This procedures and the massage will give you soft breasts with much more attractive areolas and natural look.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who perform lots of redo breasts augmentation in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with natural look and natural areolas.               Best of luck,                                    Dr Widder

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

You probably have pronounced capsular contracture. When you implant a foreign substance in to the body, the body tends to wall it off by forming an envelope around it - the capsule. The capsule is made of tissue that can contract. Everyone gets a Grade 1 capsule which is a thin layer of tissue around your implant. In patients who have a tendency to form a more aggresive capsule, the layer of tissue can thicken and contract and you can start feeling it (Grade 2). The capsular contracture can progress to a degree when you can notice a change in shape of the breast (rounded appearance), this is grade 3. If the contracture progresses further, it can give the patient some discomfort (Grade 4). On the other hand, if your surgeon has stuffed your bigger implants into a smaller preexisting pocket meant for a smaller implant (without doing a capsulotomy to release the capsule) then essentially you have a ready made grade 3 or 4 capsule...!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have some capsule contracture which can pose risks if another surgery is contemplated.Close follow up and discussion of possoptions with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your disappointment after breast surgery. Yes, one of the potential reasons for your concerns may be a mismatch between size of breast implants and size of breast implant "pockets". The other concern would be the possibility of capsular contracture (encapsulation).  Given your concerns, you may benefit from in person second opinion consultation with well experienced board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is possible that if the pocket is not soft or loose enough, then they can appear tight and not look right.

If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks?

Answer: If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks?

Answer: Tightness

Answer: Tightness

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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

If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks?

Answer: If the pocket space is too small, could this cause my silicone implants to feel like two rocks?

Answer: Tightness

Answer: Tightness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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