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Capsular Contracture .. What will happen if I leave it for 1 year.

Hi there, I got my implants in a year ago and left one has gone capsular contracture. I have had a consultation with a surgeon and she gave me a quote, no scans just examined. I have to wait 1 year as I had to upgrade my health plan to afford it. Currently its quite uncomfortable, very stiff, sticks out, is uncomfortable during sleep and of course looks strange. Is there any way of knowing how much worse it will get over a year? Somedays it feels like its going to burst out of my breast. They were dual plane 385cc. The surgeon in Thailand was not helpful and my surgeon I saw here in Sydney is impossible to get hold of or to ask questions to (doesn't return calls ect). I cant afford to pay $200 each time I need to talk to her. Are there any other surgeons in Sydney that could help me? Her quote was $3,800 plus miscellaneous items came to about $5,000. I'd love to get it done now but the quote from the hospital was closer to $10,000

May 2nd, 2016 NSW

  • Answer
    Ellis Choy

    Ellis Choy

    43 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    New South Wales, Australia

    Hi there,
    Very sorry to learn about your situation. Unfortunately capsular contracture is one of the known complications in breast implant surgery but it's less common to occur at only 1 year post operative time frame. There are different degree of severity ranging from the capsule being palpable, visible or even painful. Like in your situation, it can cause a multitude of functional and cosmetic issues.
    It can be difficult to predict the natural course or progression of capsular contracture. in addition to clinical assessment, sometimes it may warrant a radiological assessment, either with ultrasound or MRI, mainly to assess the integrity of implants as well as the quality of breast parenchyma. In view of recent change of breast symptoms after your recent breast implant surgery, it is always wise to exclude the rare possibility of any unrecognised breast condition despite capsular contracture is the likely diagnosis based on your recent medical assessment. Radiological imaging could also provide some objective evidence of your condition as well as additional information to assist the preoperative planning of your breast implant revision surgery in time ahead.
    Hope that helps. 
    Best wishes 
    Ellis Choy

  • Answer
    Dr. Raymond Goh

    Raymond Goh

    123 answers

    Plastic Surgeon
    Queensland, Australia

    Hi and thank you for posing your concerns.
    Every patient with breast implants will develop some form of capsule around their implants. They are termed capsular contracture when they become symptomatic (distortion, discomfort, palpability), as in your case. Capsular contracture and their progression is difficult to predict. There is still ongoing debate as to their true cause. You should definitely get at least ultrasound of your breasts to check the integrity of the implants and to make sure there are no other pathology. Your GP can certainly arrange the scan. Having a referral from your GP will also attract medicare rebates for when you do consult with a plastic surgeon.