Capsular contracture - decision making time

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awnie1301
awnie1301 Member Posts: 59
edited January 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Ten days after my diagnosis is July 2013 I had a mastectomy and lymph node dissection on my left side. I went on to have chemotherapy which finished Jan 30th, 2014. On Feb 5th, 2014 I had a prophylactic mastectomy on my right with direct to implant reconstruction on both sides. The residents and medical students told me that they weren't sure the PS would be able to get the chosen implant in on the left but she did. One month later I started my 36 radiation treatments to the left side.

Overall I have done fairly well and despite the not so glamorous appearance of the left breast I have learned to live with them both. Starting about 2-3 months ago though pain has set in. I can no longer lie on my left side or stomach and it often feels like a "headache" in that left breast. I have never had full mobility and have lots of muscle/tendon tightness on the left side.

Today I saw my PS and she is ready to go to another surgery. She is suggesting going in to break down the capsule, changing the implant and doing some fat grafting. I am about half way "on board" with this plan. I recognize my chance of getting another capsular contracture on that side is quite high.

I was hoping to hear from some other who have been in a similar situation. Should I even bother? Should I just have the darn thing out? Seems like if I do this there is probably a fairly good chance I will need yet another surgery...ugh!

Thank you

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited January 2017

    Awnie1301 - I had radiation. I also had capsular contracture, which needed to be fixed and had fat grafting at the same time. I had one additional fat grafting (2 total) during another revision surgery. I am so very pleased with my results. For me it was worth the additional surgery. Good luck with your decision

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  • awnie1301
    awnie1301 Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2017

    Thank you for your response. I am happy to hear about some positive results.


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  • marketingmama
    marketingmama Member Posts: 161
    edited January 2017

    Also had CC after second implant exchange. First time had an infection and had to start all over. So I'm now on my third implant on my right side. Just had the CC corrected about a month ago and have a new implant. I am aware of the risk of recurrence but decided to take the leap because of discomfort and because my only other option would be a flap procedure---and I really wasn't ready to go through such a complex procedure. I'm still feeling tight despite the surgery --- almost like the implant is a tad larger than the pocket. Too soon to develop another capsule so hoping just swelling and postop stuff. I'm going to ask to go to PT when I see the surgeon next as think/hope that might help. Seeing my PS on Friday and plan to ask him why the tightness. I've had no radiation so unclear why this is happening.

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  • awnie1301
    awnie1301 Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2017

    Hi Marketingmama,

    Thank you for your reply. I have decided to give it one more try. If I develop a CC again I will just have it removed and be flat. I really don't want any more surgeries. I have had some very bad reactions to anesthetic so I am very nervous every time.

    My PS says she will do some fat grafting with it this time. I have plenty of fat to donate now after being on the AI's for over 2 years.


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