Is this capsular contracture?

Thanks for your question. I'm sorry that you are having this problem. There is a phenomenon of delayed seroma in textured implants that occurs "just out of the blue". it is treated with capsulectomy and implant removal. New implants can be placed and they are usually switched to under the muscle if originally they were on top. The ultrasound you get should include an aspiration of fluid. There is an extremely rare condition called ALCL that can be seen in textured devices. Please realize that this is just precautionary and the likelihood is that this is just a freak but benign thing. It is easily treatable and hopefully you won't have any issues in the future. I just had one two weeks ago and have had two others in the last year. Best of Luck!

The most likely reason for the sudden swelling of your breast is a seroma (fluid around the implant). This type of seroma is usually caused by the textured surface of the implant tearing away from its previous attachments. This can seem like a capsule contracture; however, the rapid upset is most likely a seroma. Recommendations are as follows: 1) Ultrasound the breast in question. If there is a seroma, then some of the fluid needs to be removed and sent for CD30 immunohistochemistry, cell block cytology and culture. 2) If these tests are negative, which is the MOST likely outcome, then capsulectomy and implant exchange is recommended. I would also recommend a smooth walled implant to minimize, if not remove, this risk in the future.3) If the fluid is positive for CD30 ( which is EXTREMELY RARE), then you likely have Breast implant associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is not a breast cancer. Treatment usually is total capsulectomy and implant removal on both sides. BEFORE any treatment is recommended, consultation with a plastic surgeon familiar with this entity and oncologist is recommended.
SUMMARY: Don't Panic. THIS IS PROBABLY BENIGN FLUID FROM TRAUMA TO THE BREAST. An operation can improve this condition. Get an ultrasound and fluid evaluation.
Plastic Surgeons around the world continue to collaborate on these exact issues and you should be able to find a colleague with the above knowledge.

You have definitely done your homework. I believe you are correct in your diagnosis of capsular contracture. Implants that are 35 years old are most likely ruptured and need replacement. Contact a surgeon in your area.

This sounds like a contracture. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss it. An mri will help identify a leak.

Hi. Your situation is not uncommon and can best be handled by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast augmentation regularly. It sounds like, after 25 years, your implants may not be in the condition that they first were-- whether this has happened slowly or suddenly-- most likely your surgeon will evaluate your breasts and implants with either an MRI or mammogram. In most cases, removal of the implants, releasing and removing capsular tissue, and maybe a lift procedure may be indicated. In my hands, I usually wait to perform a possible replacement of implants at a date 3 to 6 months after your breasts have healed from the surgery described. Of course, the best action is to be evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon first hand and not rely on internet advice. Best wishes.

The previous physicians have touched on very important issues. So, I will cover capsular contracture.

If a foreign object is introduced in the body, defense mechanism come in to play to deal with the intrusion. If the intrusion is biologic in nature, like a bacteria, the body will be able to destroy it. If it is an inanimate object, like a breast implant or a piece of metal, the body is unable to destroy it. It then resorts to isolating that foreign object from the rest of the body. It does that by producing scar tissue around it and it is called the capsule. When the capsule becomes too thick or too tight we call it "capsular contracture."

In your particular situation, if you did not have capsular contracture and you suddenly developed it, then your physician will have to identify the source of the new intrusion. It could be a rupture of the implant, an infectious process, etc.

Hello. What you describe sounds like capsular contracture. It is important to be evaluated. If you cannot find a plastic surgeon in your area, go to a breast general surgeon. Get a mammogram, breast ultrasound and possibly MRI to make sure there are no abnormaliities in the breast tissue. An MRI may be necessary because if there is capsular contracture, the mammogram will not be as accurate. Capsular contracture can happen at any time after surgery.
Once established. non-surgical interventions will not help a Grade III/IV capsular contracture. Surgery will correct the problem with a low chance of recurrence.

Have you been dealing with this same issue and the same implants for the past 3 years. If so, you need to get this taken care of right away! Go see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon