11 years post o Breast Augmentation, Can I have Capsule pain / contracture?

Question

BA 11 years ago, breast fed two children (last 6 years). No problems with the implants at all, until 3 weeks ago. Intermittent pain on left close to middle of chest. Push ups don't hurt at all, so the PS thinks not muscular. PS thought it's the capsule, not necessarily contracture Says no surgery needed, but to treat with Vitamin E /massage. ? sounds about right or should get another opinion? No changes to appearance/ hardening/ placement. slightly more rippling on left over the years. tear d

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have symptoms of a capsular contracture even after many years. You should continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon. If you are not comfortable with your surgeons advice you can consider getting another opinion

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

It's not uncommon to have new symptoms many years after breast augmentation. Changes in sensation, appearance, texture and or look often happen 10-20 years after surgery. This is not necessarily pathologic but may warrant another surgery to change the implants or address any issues that come up.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

You are at the early stage of work up of your pain. You have had an exam and started a reasonable first step treatment. If this resolves the issue, great. If not follow up more. May at some point need an MRI to evaluate around  and behind the implant. Good luck.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

And I'm right up the beach from you...Pain in the breast may be a sign of early capsule formation. Could also be painful breast tissue from a variety of reasons. Breast imaging (MRI) may be indicated to be sure that the implants are OK and to evaluate the breast tissue.

Jeremy B. White, MD · Answer

It is definitely possible to develop a capsule around the breast implant even 11 years after your surgery. You should continue to follow with your plastic surgeon and try conservative treatment first. An MRI might be indicated in the future if the problem does not resolve. If you are not comfortable with your surgeon's advice after conservative management, a second opinion is not a bad idea. Hopefully, this is a problem that will resolve by following your physician's advice.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are uncomfortable with the information you received from your surgeon perhaps you should get a second opinion.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Before second opinions why not a mammogram or MRI of the breasts ???? Maybe a capsular rupture or implant rupture or both...

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

If you have been happy with your result and your PS for 11 years I would take his/her advice. If the implants are soft there is less likelihood of having capsular contracture. If the implants are hard or irregular then it is more likely to be capsular contracture. At 11 years post op you will no doubt have some contracture but this may be very mild and this may be what your PS is describing. At the end of the day only you can make the decision as to whether you wish to have a revision and this is symptom related. Only you can determine whether these symptoms warrant the risks of further surgery. If you trust your PS which it sounds you do there would be no reason to have another opinion. If you have concerns regarding this advice my all means seek out another PS. Make sure it is someone with experience and is suitably qualified to comment on breast augmentation revision.

11 years post o Breast Augmentation, Can I have Capsule pain / contracture?

Answers (8)

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