Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why?

Question

I have one swollen breast that is higher and more full looking than the other. I had breast augmentation done 6 years ago. There is no pain. I had started to work out again a couple of days before I noticed the difference but there is no pain in the area. Any idea of what could be causing this?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

From your description, I would agree with my colleagues who feel that the symptoms may be compatible with a capsular contracture. Meet with a plastic surgeon to confirm the diagnosis.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

If you have one breast that is higher and fuller looking than the other side 6 years after surgery, you likely have a condition called capsular contracture. This basically means the implant has a shell of scar tissue around it which has become hardened over time and has distorted the shape and position of the implant.  The hard scar tissue also may have prevented the implant from settling down into a natural position as it did on the other side.

	Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You may require surgery to remove the scar tissue which will help restore better symmetry to your breasts.

	Best wishes,

	Dr. Bruno

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

You have capsular contracture of the breast.  This can be for one of several reasons:

	1)hematoma or irritation around the implant from foreign material (talc, carbon, etc)

	2)subclinical infection or colonization of the implant with bacteria

	3)ruptured silicone implant (you probably have saline from 6 years ago)

	4)idiopathic (which means we don't really know why)

	Capsular contracture can be fixed with another surgery to release the capsule and correct the underlying problem.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It sounds like you have a breast that has a capsular contracture.  This is excessive scar tissue around a breast implant that can cause a change in breast shape and firmness. Sometimes pain is also involved.  I would advise you to revisit with your PS if possible or find a couple of board certified plastic surgeons to see for consult.

	Dr. ES

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Hi,

	 

	It's very possible you are developing a capsular contracture, or pathologic scar tissue build up around your breast implant. Common symptoms include a higher, firmer and rounder breast. The other possibility could be fluid build-up around the implant, either blood (hematoma) or inflammatory fluid (seroma).

	Your best bet is an examination with a board-certified plastc surgeon to get answers. Best of luck.

Swollen Breast 6 Years Post-op - Why?

Answers (10)