Signs of early capsular contracture? 6 weeks post op.

Question

Its been 6 weeks post-op since my surgery. I've noticed that my right breast gets harder at times, especially when laying down. It feels more like a ball moving around. My right was dropped more than the left. I've noticed that my right side is also smaller. Ive had the most issues with my right side pain-wise and "morning" boob was really bad, it became very tense. Is this a part of the recovery process or could it be early CC? I got 450cc HP, and didn't have too much breast tissue beforehand.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Six weeks post op is too early to assess whether you are developing capsular contracture.  The firmness is normal depending on the type of cohesivity of the implant and it will soften over the next 3-6 monhts.  I recommend that you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon and discuss your concenrs so you can be evaluated.  Best of luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to determine with an
assessment. I'd recommend booking a follow-up appointment with your Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns. 
Take care.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if your aches and pains are coming and going it might be simple muscle spasm, but symptoms like this should be discussed with you surgeon.  You will put your mind at ease and ensure you are healing normally.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Since there has been a change in your post op course, please contact your surgeon so he/she can examine you and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

I have certainly seen cases in which capsule contracture occurred this early, but they are not very common.  Those people typically have very firm breasts on both sides, and they may have even had a prior episode of capsule contracture before; they are just sort of "capsule formers," and they have a propensity to form aggressive capsules like that.  More commonly what we see is intermittent swelling or tightening of the pectoralis muscles, sort of like what you are describing, and this is different from true capsule contracture, although some aspects of it may look and feel like that is happening.  The only way to know for sure is to have a good exam in person, and this would be important to do sooner rather than later, because if you aren't already on medication, and if the surgeon feels as though capsule contracture is a possibility, there are medications he or she may want you to start taking to help prevent the onset of, or worsening of, capsule contracture, and the sooner you start those the better.  Thus, I encourage you to contact your surgeon this week an see if you can get in for a quick check up to make sure everything is OK.  Good luck.

Signs of early capsular contracture? 6 weeks post op.

Answers (5)