How long to wait after surgery to have a breast capsulectomy? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had silicon implants OM after 8 weeks I started noticing my right breast still sitting high and a bit firmer than my left and have pain. my PS examined my breast he said it was a mild case of CC and told me to continue massaging and taking Singulair which I since week 2 AS 2 date. he said he will do a capsulectomy but will be better to wait at least 6 months if pain was just unbearable will do it before . I'm almost 5 months post op and appearance, pain and discomfort hasn't changed.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

You must wait at least 6 months before considering capsulectomy. I do recommend, however, that you ask your surgeon about the placement of your implants over the muscle. You may know that the risk of capsular contracture is much higher when the implants are in that plane. I much prefer to place the implants under the muscle, where contracture rates are substantially lower. All the best.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the most common problems is breast capsular #contracture or the development of thickening, and contracture of the capsule that exists around the breast implants. Severe capsule contracture probably occurs in less than 15% of augmentation patients. Every woman has a breast capsule around their implant and this is a normal phenomenon. The capsule itself could be as thin as Saran Wrap but may also become calcified and thickened. As it thickens and shrinks, the patient may develop a feeling a firmness of the breasts and in its worst situation, the breast may become painful and abnormal in appearance, achieving a very round, hard, and uneven appearance. There may be distortion and possible breakage and leakage of an older implant, but may also include a newer #implant. Nicotine users, such as smokers, have up to a 30x increased risk of #capsular contracture.
Saline implants may deflate spontaneously. When the patient has significant #symptoms, complete or partial leakage of their saline implant, or concerns regarding silicone leakage, it is recommended that the implant is removed and exchanged. Frequently, this is performed on both sides depending upon the age of the implant. Capsulotomy or opening of the capsule may be required or frequently capsulectomy, which is removal of the scarred capsule, is recommended to ensure adequate pocket dimensions.Typically, it's best to wait 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for #revision.New implants may then be placed in the same existing position or may undergo a change of #placement frequently from submammary to subpectoral position and, on occasion, the other way around.

J. Dayne Petersen, MD · Answer

I would have to agree with your surgeon. Continue to do massage and Singular. Be vigorous with the massaging for several minutes several times a day to help loosen that scar tissue forming around the implant. I wish you the best of luck!

David Boudreault, MD, FACS · Answer

CZapien,Thank you for your photos and question.  Singulair and time is a good plan for early capsule.  Waiting 6 months is prudent and will give you and your plastic surgeon time to see how things settle.  As long as pain is tolerable, I would agree with you plastic surgeon.  Hope that helps!Best,Dr. B

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of the time it takes several months for you breast implants to settle and for the capsule to mature after breast augmentation.  I would follow your surgeon's advice.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

How long to wait after surgery to have a breast capsulectomy? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Capsular contraction after breast aug

Answer: Capsular contraction after breast aug

Answer: 6 months

Answer: 6 months

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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How long to wait after surgery to have a breast capsulectomy? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Capsular contraction after breast aug

Answer: Capsular contraction after breast aug

Answer: 6 months

Answer: 6 months

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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.