Do I have capsular contracture or animation deformity? (photos)

Question

I had my first ba in 04' saline unders 400 cc's. In 2012 wanted to switch out for silicone due to lose of volume. Went to a new surgeon, he said that I had capsular contracture grade 2 on my left breast. I had the revision and got silicone 750 cc's under. Now every time I flex my implants jump to collar bone. They feel tight and very uncomfortable. Ive had consults with 2 new doctors. One says it's capsular contracture and the other says it's animation deformity. I'm so confused. Any thoughts???

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Your implants have displaced too high on your chest wall.  Their pocket needs to be revised so they are centered around your nipple/areolas.  They are under the muscle so animation deformity is causing the implant movement when you flex.  If they are hard, then capsular contracture may also be an issue and a capsulectomy is necessary among other things.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Capsular #Contracture is a condition in which the capsule around the implant thickens and squeezes the implant making it hard and often changing the shape and position of the implant. It is more common in nicotine users (e.g. smoking or nicotine patches or gum). Effective treatment of the capsule frequently involves completely removal of the capsule (capsulectomy), and occasional incisions in the capsule may be somewhat helpful (#capsulotomy). In the past, closed capsulotomy, in which the breast is squeezed until the #capsule breaks, was used. Currently, most doctors avoid this technique because of complications associated with the technique and because the implant companies will void their warranty if this technique is used. At times it is necessary to change the position of the implant, either above or below the muscle, depending upon the initial position, changing the #implants themselves and, on occasion, the use of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) may be required to prevent continued problems. Although the published risk of capsular contracture is approximately 9-11%, in our practice it is somewhat lower after initial implant placement. Once capsular contracture occurs, the risk of problems with secondary surgery rises to between 25% and 40%. The use of #Singulair and Vitamin E may be of benefit. If you had a Sientra Textured Implant placed as a primary procedure and a contracture occurs in the first two years after primary augmentation, then their implant warranty may apply.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Animation deformity is common and occurs with all submuscular implants to some degree. A capsular contracture can certainly exacerbate the condition. It all stems from having implants under the muscle. When the muscle moves it pulls on the capsule which surrounds the implant and thus pulls the implant upwards. If the capsule is tight, this can be dramatic. So the answer to your question is that it is certainly an animation deformity but may also have a component of contracture. The solution is changing the implant to a subglandular position.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It could be both. A soft breast can have an animation deformity as well as one with a capsular contracture.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your photos and question. It appears that you have a few different things going on but it definitely seems by the photos that you most likely have capsular contracture. Remember that the larger the implant, the complication rate increases significantly. If you are uneasy about the diagnosis that you've had from the surgeons that you've seen, please have another consultation just to ensure you are being properly diagnosed and that you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan. All the best to you!!

Do I have capsular contracture or animation deformity? (photos)

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Answer: CC vs animation

Answer: CC vs animation

Answer: Do I have capsular contracture ?

Answer: Do I have capsular contracture ?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Do I have capsular contracture or animation deformity? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: CC vs animation

Answer: CC vs animation

Answer: Do I have capsular contracture ?

Answer: Do I have capsular contracture ?

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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.