I had my sub glandular saline implants removed. I left the capsule in. I can feel a small tissue hardness on both. Is the capsule shrinking?

It was done under local anesthesia one year ago. The hardness I feel is on both breasts in the same spot. The upper outside portion on my right breast at 10:00 o'clock, the left breast 2 o'clock. Is this the capsule shrinking? I feel my breasts every day and this started two weeks ago. There is some mild tenderness when squeezed.

Answers from doctors (7)


Dr. Robert L. True

Published on Feb 21, 2018

Shrinkage of tissues after removing implants is a problem. Yes, you get lumps, but it may be the tissue, the capsule or a growth. Depending on your age, you should have it checked out by your physician. If you're over 40, you definitely need a mammogram.

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Answered by Dr. Robert L. True

Shrinkage of tissues after removing implants is a problem. Yes, you get lumps, but it may be the tissue, the capsule or a growth. Depending on your age, you should have it checked out by your physician. If you're over 40, you definitely need a mammogram.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Feb 20, 2018

It is not uncommon to feel areas of firmness from the remaining capsule after breast implant removal. The capsules do not need to be removed if they are normal, thin and unremarkable. Typically, capsular tissue is gradually absorbed after the implants have been removed as there is no longer a "foreign body" response. This may take many months. If there is any redness or drainage you should consult with your plastic surgeon to be sure that there is no infection or any other problem.

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

It is not uncommon to feel areas of firmness from the remaining capsule after breast implant removal. The capsules do not need to be removed if they are normal, thin and unremarkable. Typically, capsular tissue is gradually absorbed after the implants have been removed as there is no longer a "foreign body" response. This may take many months. If there is any redness or drainage you should consult with your plastic surgeon to be sure that there is no infection or any other problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Feb 20, 2018

It could be, but you should return and see your plastic surgeon. Or get mammogram.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, eu, Anguilla
949.640-6324/1.888.234-5080(Ca)
FAX- 949.640-7347
Website: http://www.surgery-plastic.com
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2017
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
www.ASBPS.org
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7193_1500928629.jpg
Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

It could be, but you should return and see your plastic surgeon. Or get mammogram.

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, eu, Anguilla
949.640-6324/1.888.234-5080(Ca)
FAX- 949.640-7347
Website: http://www.surgery-plastic.com
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2017
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
www.ASBPS.org
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Feb 19, 2018

Thank you for your question. You are probably feeling a fibrous remnant of your capsule or scar tissue, especially if you had a capsular contracture prior to implant removal. This firm area you are feeling should progressively improve with time. I recommend you speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. I hope you feel better soon.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6343_1500926941.jpg
Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. You are probably feeling a fibrous remnant of your capsule or scar tissue, especially if you had a capsular contracture prior to implant removal. This firm area you are feeling should progressively improve with time. I recommend you speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns. I hope you feel better soon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Lipo & Vein Center

Published on Feb 19, 2018

It could be from the capsule, but it is hard to know. I recommend you have it examined by a breast surgeon in your area.

Answered by Laser Lipo & Vein Center (View Profile)

It could be from the capsule, but it is hard to know. I recommend you have it examined by a breast surgeon in your area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Dr. Benjamin Wood, MD

Published on Feb 19, 2018

Thanks for your question. I would agree with your assessment that the areas that you are noticing are likely a result of the capsule healing since it seems to be very similar on both sides. It's difficult to say with certainty, however, without an exam. I would recommend that you follow-up with your surgeon for an in-person evaluation. Please let us know if we can be of any help.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8581_1518046338.jpg
Answered by Dr. Benjamin Wood, MD

Thanks for your question. I would agree with your assessment that the areas that you are noticing are likely a result of the capsule healing since it seems to be very similar on both sides. It's difficult to say with certainty, however, without an exam. I would recommend that you follow-up with your surgeon for an in-person evaluation. Please let us know if we can be of any help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The capsule will shrink following explantation. Once contracted down, there is very little evidence of having had a prior augmentation. If the capsule was calcified, there may still be a palpable remnant of it (but in that case, it probably would have been removed at the time of implant removal).

Regarding your specific question, it is uncommon to suddenly palpate something 12 months post-op. The capsule should have shrunken down by this time. If it were calcified, you would have noted this much sooner. You should be examined, and you may potentially have to undergo imaging. While it is unlikely to be something of concern (this far out), medical/oncologic etiologies should be ruled out.

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

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

The capsule will shrink following explantation. Once contracted down, there is very little evidence of having had a prior augmentation. If the capsule was calcified, there may still be a palpable remnant of it (but in that case, it probably would have been removed at the time of implant removal).

Regarding your specific question, it is uncommon to suddenly palpate something 12 months post-op. The capsule should have shrunken down by this time. If it were calcified, you would have noted this much sooner. You should be examined, and you may potentially have to undergo imaging. While it is unlikely to be something of concern (this far out), medical/oncologic etiologies should be ruled out.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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