Could I be experiencing capsular contracture 6 months after my breast lift? (photos)

Dear newgirl14,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Might be ok from the pictures posted but again in person check is needed. Have you checked with your surgeon? Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

If you have saline implants, then your implants do not necessarily have to be replaced given the clarity of implant rupture. Silicone implants, however, need an MRI or high definition ultrasound every 2-3 years starting 6 years after initial implantation to provide surveillance for rupture. So if you have silicone implants, it would be best to replace, or at least assess for rupture prior to the operation. As far as the lift, it is a nice vertical lift with overall good shape and nipple position. Difficult to assess for capsular contracture without better photos and physical exam, but doubtful if the implant pocket was not entered.

Capsular contracture refers to when the scar capsule that surrounds the implant becomes thickened or tightens around the implant. This can cause the breast to feel hard, look misshapen, or even be painful. If you suspect you have this condition it is best to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Your implants are a bit large for your frame. I would suggest going down in size with new implants and release or remove the capsule. Anytime a capsule is present, new implants are needed because the old ones may have bacteria which caused the capsule.

With 10-year-old implants I would’ve probably recommended exchanging the implants while the surgeon had easy access.
Unless the surgeon opened the capsule having a breast lift will not create a capsular contraction.
It looks to me like you may have a cap or contraction in your before pictures.
Your surgeon should’ve examined your implants and determined if you had cap or contraction during the consultation for the breast lift.
You should also be able to tell by squeezing the implants if they feel firm now and they didn’t feel before surgery.
Based on the information provided, I don’t think you developed a capsular contraction from the breast lift and most Likely, this was simply noticed after having the breast lift because of the aesthetic changes.
It would be really important to know what kind of implants you have.
Ruptured silicon implants will most likely eventually lead to caps or contraction.
Ruptured sailing implants simply go flat.
The most accurate study says the integrity of silicon implants is with an MRI.
Implants can be assessed using ultrasound or mammograms, but an MRI is by far more accurate.
if you have contractions, then that is fairly straightforward.
Based on your flexing picture, I’m assuming your implants are under the pectoralis muscle.
Overall, I think your outcome looks fairly good and there’s something to be said about leaving good enough alone.
If you’reOverall, I think you’re outcome looks fairly good and there’s something to be said about leaving good enough alone.
If you’re content with the outcome, then no further intervention is necessary.
To get a proper second opinion consultation schedule those is in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
For second opinion consultations come prepared to bring with you a complete set of proper before and after pictures and copies of your previous operative report.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD