What to Do if Breast Still Feel Hard and Won't Drop?

asked 7 months ago by j23 in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 336 times
Tags: 1 year post-op, drop, hard

Hi, I've had my implants for a year now and they still feel and look fake. they are not as hard from when i first got them but still feel hard and one breast is higher then the other.I think it still haven't dropped. I got them under the muscle. I went from a 32A to a 34B with a 320cc if that helps. What can i do? or WHat do you recommend?

10 answers to What to Do if Breast Still Feel Hard and Won't Drop?

Implant firmness

Hello, Implant firmness can be caused by a handful of different reasons. Early on swelling is the reason, after the swelling goes away if some residual unwanted firmness exists it is usually caused by a pocket that is too small. This is particularly common when performed under the muscle. An increase in firmness is caused by capsule contracture. Capsule contracture will need to be treated by revision surgery to remove the capsule. All the best, Dr Repta more

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Implants that are still high and firm-likely capsular contracture

Based on your description, it sounds like you have capsular contracture- which is hard scar tissue that can develop around your breast implants. This happens in about 10% of all patients who have breast implants. The scar tissue prevents the implants from settling and therefore they remain "high" on the chest wall and hard to the touch. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon for a complete exam and review of your treatment options-which will likely involve... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Hard Implants after Breast Augmentation

Many patients experience some degree of firmness after breast augmentation and for most it is a minor issue or not even noticed by them. Overly firm feeling implants can be a real problem for some patients and there are a limited number of options for these patients. The time tested method is to exchange implants and remove the scar tissue, combined with readjustment of the implant pocket to help the implants sit in a better position. See a surgeon who can evaluate your condition and make... more

Jon F. Harrell, DO
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.westonsurgery.com

Implant hard and not dropping

It sounds like you may have a capsular contracture on the side you describe as hard and not dropping. Early postoperatively or with early capsular contracture, I recommend massaging, but if this has been the same for a year, massaging is unlikely to help. Placing implants under the muscle helps reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but it does still happen. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon, or another board certified plastic surgeon if you need another opinion. Typically... more

Anita Patel, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Implant problems

If you breasts feel firm and high at one year, then you may have a capsular contracutre. But without an exam I ould not be sure. See a surgeon to be evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants firm and high after augmentation

After a year it can be hard to say if you have a problem with a breast capsule, or the implant pocket was not released enough for the implant to sit and center within the breast. A second opinion would be best if you are unhappy and think things should look better. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Breasts hard and haven't dropped and look fake

If after a year your breasts are still unnaturally firm and look fake you likely have a capsular contracture. This will not resolve on its own and will require revisional surgery. Unfortunately there is a chance the contracture will recur. Get opinions from experienced breast surgeons before proceeding! Good luck!

Marcel Daniels, MD
Long Beach Plastic Surgeon

What to Do if Breast Still Feel Hard and Won't Drop?

Best to obtain a few in person second opinions from boarded PSs in LA. If you think you look fake than you either are too large or have CC. regards

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Implant hardening

The most common problem seen with breast implants is capsular contracture. It appears you have developed some capsule formation around your implants. Our bodies defense mechanism is very strong and it recognizes the breast implants as a foreign object and will try to protect your body from this "invader" . It is no different than a reaction to a splinter in your hand or hip prosthesis or pacemaker. A wall of scar tissue surrounds the implant and can... more

David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

www.bodybyfinkle.com

1 year post op Breast Augmentation Surgery

Thank you for the question. A picture may be helpful. I have seen implants “drop” for up to 12 months (or more) after breast augmentation surgery. I asked my patients to “pull up on the skin and push down on the implant” on the side that is slower to settle. Although it is controversial I think that implant massage and displacement exercises are helpful in keeping the breasts soft in general. Continue to follow up... more