Had implants for 7 years, my right breast encapsulated, got it changed. After having a baby the left got encapsulated.

Question

Implants are teardrop, gummy silicone and under muscle. 5years after it got hard changed shape and hurt. I went to my surgeon and it was encapsulated he changed implant, with two surgeries. 1st removed implant had a tube draining. A week after new implant was placed. Two years after that surgery I had a baby, was breast feeding. After 2 months the milk stopped and my left breast got hard looks like it turned and it hurts. Will i need two surgeries again? Can it get encapsulated again after another baby?

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Capsular contracture is a very frustrating complication for birth the patient and the surgeon but there is a new way to treat capsular contraction or that decreases their current rate significantly and if the surgery is done properly the chances of having a recurrence are much much less. I would make sure that your plastic surgeon used an acellular dermal matrix at the time of your capsule surgery in order to decrease the recurrence rate significantly. Most surgeons that do this type of surgery a lot are very familiar with this. Let me know if you have any questions or seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon that does a lot of revision breast surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the complications you have experienced. Yes unfortunately, especially given your history, you are at risk for recurrent encapsulation.  Generally speaking, capsular contraction can be a very frustrating complication for both patients and surgeons. In my practice, I have found the most success treating these difficult problems utilizing techniques such as sub muscular pocket conversion (if relevant), capsulectomy, use of fresh implants and the use of acellular dermal matrix. Acellular dermal matrix is a biologic implant that carries the ability to become integrated into native tissue. It is made by taking a full thickness section of skin from a donor source (human, porcine, or bovine in origin). I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry you have had issues with capsular contracture. It's impossible to answer your question without examining you. It certainly sounds like you have cc on the left side now from your descriptions. Have your surgeon evaluate you. If your cc is severe you will most likely need another surgery. Good luckDrMaz

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally, I would remove the entire capsule and replace a new implant in one surgery, not 2. If you are above the muscle, I would try to go below. If below, I'd stay there.

Had implants for 7 years, my right breast encapsulated, got it changed. After having a baby the left got encapsulated.

Answers (4)