2 months post op. Please don't tell me I have Capsular constriction? (photo)

Question

Hi! I had a BA exactly 2 mo ago. 600cc, unders, saline. I went to a board certified dr in beverly hills. Great Dr., but one of my right breast is significantly harder and higher than the other. Today i began rigorously massaging and i can feel a slight change already in softness. I guess im just hoping this is not cc and if it is maybe its still early enough to massage it away, I've also heard singulair helps in some, Ive also been taking 800 IU a day vitamin E. Somebody help...? =/

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

It is possible to have capsular contracture at this stage.  From your photograph, the contracture does not look too visible, which is a good sign.  I would continue massage.  We do not recommend Vitamin E, but it couldn't hurt.  We do start patients on Accolate or Singulair, with good results.  This is an asthma prescription medication which has some studies to suggest that it can soften capsules.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

You seem to have a great result.  It is not uncommon for one breast to feel a little firmer than the other side.  I also find that the right side (the dominant hand - tighter pec muscle) does feel tighter and takes longer to settle down.  In my clinic I get my patients to massage both breasts, plus the firmer/higher breast a little extra to get them settled down and soft.  This can take a few months, so don't panic

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I am sorry, but you have capsular contracture, until proven otherwise.  I am going to contradict the two previous surgeons to tell you with no uncertainty that this is the most common time to see this phenomenon, as you are forming your capsule from the initial surgery.  Capsular contracture is most likely caused by implant contamination (bacteria from your skin) at the time of surgery, and this leads to excessive inflammation and formation of thickened, less elastic scar tissue. Other known risk factors are excessive bruising after surgery, very large implants relative to your breast dimensions(like yours), and periareolar incisions.Mechanical manipulation like implant massage and breast bands to push the implants down have no documented positive effects on you ultimate outcome, and many surgeons like myself have abandon these techniques and still have below average rates of capsular contracture.  Unfortunately, a vast majority of surgeons still recommend this as part of their post operative regimen. Similarly, vitamin E and leukotriene inhibitors like Singulair have failed to show a statistically significant treatment value for patients with capsular contracture, despite occasional positive outcomes. On the other hand, use of Singulair after surgical treatment for capsular contracture (capsulectomy) has shown to have a small positive effect in lowering recurrence rates.My recommendation is to do nothing, or go on a 3 to 6 month regimen of vitamin E and Singulair, if you absolutely must feel like you are doing something proactive. There is a good possibility that the asymmetry in position and firmness will improve with time, regardless of what you do, assuming it is not too hard now.  If, on the other hand, you develop worsening of your condition by that time, you may then proceed with a capsulectomy.Best of luck.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You probably have a dominant really strong muscle on that side. It is rare to have a cap con this early. I think you just need more time to let the muscle relax and stretch remember it does not want to have a 600cc implant pushing on it

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Your results look great.  Neither side looks "significantly" different or higher.  Any such asymmetry is likely pre-existing.  You need to be examined in person to determine if your have a CC.  See your PS.Best,

2 months post op. Please don't tell me I have Capsular constriction? (photo)

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2 months post op. Please don't tell me I have Capsular constriction? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Surgery

Answer: Breast Surgery

Answer: Toronto Breast Augmentation with Implants

Answer: Toronto Breast Augmentation with Implants

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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.