Do you any idea what's going on? Will my breast ever settle?

I got my breast done a year ago in May. I was 32 AA and got 380cc silicone under the muscle. My breasts where fine up until the 7 months. I got an infection. I got antibiotics. I was told the fluid went away and it would take a while to go down. It's been nearly 4 months since that happened and my left breast is still hard, bigger, firmer and higher than my right side. The right side is soft and looks more natural but there is clearly a difference in size.

Answers from doctors (7)


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on May 06, 2019

It is possible you developed a capsular contracture on the left side. Please visit your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

It is possible you developed a capsular contracture on the left side. Please visit your plastic surgeon to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Dr. Robert L. True

Published on Apr 23, 2018

It sounds like you have developed scaring in the right breast capsule which can result in a capsular contraction, keeping the implant high. In addition, you may still have some infection present. The best course of action will probably be to remove the implant(s), heal the infection over the next 3 months, and then replace the implant(s). Good luck.

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Answered by Dr. Robert L. True

It sounds like you have developed scaring in the right breast capsule which can result in a capsular contraction, keeping the implant high. In addition, you may still have some infection present. The best course of action will probably be to remove the implant(s), heal the infection over the next 3 months, and then replace the implant(s). Good luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Harry Glassman, M.D.

Published on Apr 17, 2018

You are describing the unfortunate process of capsular contracture which often follows an infection. The inflammation leads to increased scar formation. The pocket shrinks and compresses against the implant. It is highly unlikely that this condition will improve without additional surgery.

Answered by Harry Glassman, M.D. (View Profile)

You are describing the unfortunate process of capsular contracture which often follows an infection. The inflammation leads to increased scar formation. The pocket shrinks and compresses against the implant. It is highly unlikely that this condition will improve without additional surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

Published on Apr 17, 2018

Infections can cause capsular contracture. You will need a capsulectomy and possible change out the implant to get a good result

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Answered by Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

Infections can cause capsular contracture. You will need a capsulectomy and possible change out the implant to get a good result

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Apr 17, 2018

Most likely because of the infection or seroma or bleed within that breast you have developed capsular contracture. There is still a possibility that over a period of a year that it will "heal" and return towards normal.


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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

Most likely because of the infection or seroma or bleed within that breast you have developed capsular contracture. There is still a possibility that over a period of a year that it will "heal" and return towards normal.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Apr 17, 2018

It sounds like you have unfortunately developed capsular contracture on your left side related to the infection. You should consult with your plastic surgeon for treatment options.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

It sounds like you have unfortunately developed capsular contracture on your left side related to the infection. You should consult with your plastic surgeon for treatment options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


An infection is a serious complication of augmentation which, while rare, can have a serious impact on outcome. In many cases, the implant will need to be removed to allow for resolution of infection with repeat augmentation several months post clearance. Even in the case of salvage, there is a risk of developing a capsular contracture which will cause progressive hardening and malposition of the device. This often necessitates re-operation for capsulectomy.

With regards to your specific question, under normal circumstances your implants should have settled by now. Your clinical history is suggestive of capsular contracture. In early contracture, medications such as Singulair have proven to be helpful. However, I fear that your situation may call for operative revision. I would still allow for at least 6 months post resolution before intervening.

As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

An infection is a serious complication of augmentation which, while rare, can have a serious impact on outcome. In many cases, the implant will need to be removed to allow for resolution of infection with repeat augmentation several months post clearance. Even in the case of salvage, there is a risk of developing a capsular contracture which will cause progressive hardening and malposition of the device. This often necessitates re-operation for capsulectomy.

With regards to your specific question, under normal circumstances your implants should have settled by now. Your clinical history is suggestive of capsular contracture. In early contracture, medications such as Singulair have proven to be helpful. However, I fear that your situation may call for operative revision. I would still allow for at least 6 months post resolution before intervening.

As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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