Breast Implants are now Hard. Is this Capsular Contracture?

I often get emails from out of town patients requesting additional information or guidence. The following question is one i recently received and it is a common question i am asked. 

 Q: I had breast augmentation performed over 6 years ago. Now my left breast is higher and more firm than the other side. Is this capsular contracture and if so, will Singular medication help?

 A:  Unfortunately, singular (montelukast) will probably not work this far out from your breast surgery. Singular is a once daily medication that decreases you bodies response to injury or inflammation. Originally sold as a allergy medication, it has been used with good success on capsular contractures, especially when used for contractures that occur within 6 months of surgery.
  It sounds like you are having some capsular contracture which can occur when there is inflammation or problems around your regular implant capsule. This needs to be examined by a plastic surgeon to rule out infection or implant rupture. If the breast is otherwise okay and the surgeon is not overly concerned, then a 6 week course of singular and anti inflammatory medication wouldn't hurt to try. If you fail to respond (noticeably softer and more symmetric breasts) after 6 weeks, then a surgery to release the capsule and potentially replace the implants with a different type could be performed.  Hope this helps. Good luck.

Visit our website for more information on breast implant surgery: Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery