How long can I keep an encapsulated breast for?

There is no hurry to have your breasts reoperated upon.  What you need to consider is what you want to do next.  Do want to be done with the risk of capsules by having the implants removed or undergo more expensive surgery.  There are many options for what can be done to hopefully reduce the risk of encapsulation but there are no guarantees that they will be successful over the long run.

Hello,

To answer your question quickly, you can stay like this the rest of your life; it won't harm you.

However, I would like to address a few things for the purpose of educating women who are reading your post.  Breast augmentation surgery is not risk free, and aside from potential rippling of your implants, capsular contracture is the most frequent complication.  These are things that should have been discussed with you prior to your surgery, along with the financial obligations associated with re-operation. I don't know who your doctor was, or whether he/she is qualified to perform breast surgery,  but having capsular contracture does not mean that your doctor did something wrong, nor does paying more money for a repair imply that there is fowl play.

The best thing anyone can do once they've decided to go forward with surgery is pick their surgeon carefully.  Make sure that the surgeon is certified by the ABPS, and is also a member of the ASAPS, indicating proficiency in aesthetic plastic surgery.  LISTEN to the doctor about the risks and benefits of the surgery. Know what the doctor's policy is regarding revision surgery, and the financial obligations of such. Listen to the doctor's recommendation regarding sizing of your breast implants.  If he is a cutting edge surgeon that provides the best care possible based on data, he will tell you what implant is appropriate for you, and that going bigger will increase your risk of all complications, including capsular contracture. Finally, don't pick the surgeon based on the lowest cost.  It is not a true cost comparison, because you are most likely not getting the same thing (breast augmentation) when going from doctor to doctor. The cost of having surgery correctly in a accredited surgery center, using the best supplies, the cost of office visits, and the surgeons training, skill, and experience make all the difference.

I don't know the details of your specific situation - but for patients with severe capsular contracture, I recommend a plane-switch operation (above to below muscle or neo-submuscular pocket), a new set of implants, and Strattice internal slings. 

A capsular contracture is simply a scar tissue capsule that forms around a foreign object such as a breast implant.  If the capsule stays soft then it is not a problem.  If it becomes thick or the fibers in the capsule tighten down then it can distort the shape of the breast and become uncomfortable.  This is called a capsular contracture.  It is not dangerous and you can live with it your whole life if you want/need to.

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced.  Although your breast is probably firm  and/or “distorted”, you should not be concerned about potential medical issues the scar tissue is causing.  At some point, you will be best off making a decision about the best course of action for you personally.  Some patients in your situation elect to remove/replace breast implants and undergo capsulectomy surgery. Some patients decide to have the breast implants removed altogether.

 Unfortunately, additional financial obligations will undoubtedly be present either way;  assuming your initial plastic surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon, best to follow-up with him for a full communication of options.

 Best wishes.

Breast Capsular Contracture is a thickening and hardening of the breast capsule causing a firmness, hardness  and possible malposition of the breast implant.   It typically requires surgery  but can be left untreated if the patient chooses.