Can an accident that may have caused internal trauma cause capsular contracture? (Photo)

Question

At about 6-8 months Post I had an accident on a quad. Nothing I didn't get up and hop back on but I got thrown into a tree on my right side. My side hurt for a good month and my breast slightly. It was more rib cage. Could this be why I am now feeling firmer on that side? Could it be CC? I notice it's worse at different times. Sometimes it feels very firm and sometimes, mostly durring the day I fell much softer. Literally like it contracts at times.My PS is in PA where we lived, now in Tampa FL

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, internal trauma especially if there is an intracapapsular
  hematoma or post trauma infection may 
  promote a periprosthetic infection although uncommon. See a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-Trauma, depending on the severity, can cause injury to the pocket that may result in development of a contracted capsule, but the only way to know whether or not you had this problem (or a different one) would be to examine you.My recommendation would be for you to find a good surgeon near you and visit for an evaluation.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

In general capsular contracture is a permanent hardness of the implant and does not come and go.  It can be caused by trauma, for example a capsule tear that causes some bleeding that may then result in a contracture around your implant.  It may be a good idea to get an MRI to evaluate your implant.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Trauma to the breast which contains a breast implant if severe can cause bleeding and subsequently cause a capsular contracture.  It is very important that she see her plastic surgeon in person for an examination and diagnosis.

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. It is important that you seek the advice of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon (or two) in your area. A face-to-face consultation is necessary to diagnose a capsular contracture. That being said, it is certainly possible for you to develop a capsular contracture after trauma to  the breast. If the capsule  is torn during the accident the resulting inflammation can start this process. Also, the accident may have damaged your implant. On the bright side you may be having some post-traumatic muscle spasm that is giving you these symptoms. See what a surgeon has to say after examination. Good luck

Can an accident that may have caused internal trauma cause capsular contracture? (Photo)

Answers (5)