Do you need to correct capsular contracture right away?

Capsular contracture — the excessive scar tissue that can form around breast implants — may ultimately affect the look and feel of your breasts but it’s probably not an emergency. More severe capsular contracture may require treatment sooner, especially if you feel any physical discomfort. However, the firmness and difference in position of your breast could also be part of the healing process if you’ve had breast augmentation in the last 6 months. Breast implants can settle into the breast pocket at different rates over several months. That could explain the difference you are noticing.

Thank you for your question.  In short, no, capsular contracture is certainly not a medical emergency.  The only downside is that it can potentially get a little stiffer or tighter, but this does not cause any health issues to you.  

As my colleagues have noted, contracture is not considered an emergency, but the condition may progress over time, and may produce greater distortion of breast shape, as well as physical discomfort.  Oral medications, such as singulair, as well as massage, may produce some improvement, but neither are felt to be primary treatments for the condition, and they do not substitute for surgical treatment.   

I think your first step should be an in-person examination with your operating surgeon.  He or she needs to see you to get an idea of where you are at this point in time to best counsel you.  While surgery is usually indicated for this condition, there is some evidence that certain medications (Singulair) can slow or even reverse early capsular contracture.  Discuss this with your surgeon.Best of luck!

Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

First and foremost, you should be examined in person by your original surgeon or another surgeon and a diagnosis needs to be made. There are not enough details in your posting and no photos, so a diagnosis is not possible here. If indeed you have a capsular contracture, the implant integrity may be compromised and should be treated with replacing that implant. Other things may be going in as well. You need to have an in person consultation. Good luck!