Breasts Are Very Painful Years After Surgery

With painful hard breasts, you probably have a tight capsular contracture. The best way to alleviate your symptoms is to have a capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue and have a revision.

Breast implants should NOT be hard and painful. You really need to be seen by your Plastic surgeon. The presentation you are describing sounds a LOT like that of advanced scarring around the implants (Capsular contracture). Capsular contracture is known to be associated with several factors including a low grade infection of the implants. Depending on several factors the scar can be releases (capsulotomy) or partially or completely removed (Capsulectomy). Dr. P. Aldea

Hi. There is certainly something wrong and you need a good evaluation.  Since you say your breast implants are  hard, you probably have severe capsular contracture, which can be painful.  In that case, you will need a revision breast augmentation with capsulectomies.

Hello, While I agree that this most likely represents Capsular Contracture or hardening of the breasts around the implants, it still needs to be evaluated. This hardening can usually be at least improved if not eradicated entirely. Sometimes infection can encourage contracture although usually it is just silicone gel implants and time.

Nivea, You are likely experiencing high grade capsular contractures. Contractures may be an indicator of leakage of your implants if they are silicone gel filled. See a plastic surgeon for an examination and consultation. There are options for making you more comfortable and pain free. Good luck!

Nivea, What you are describing sounds like capsular contracture around the breast implant. This is an atypical reaction that some people's bodies have to the breast implants. You really need to see your surgeon for an evaluation. In most cases, you will need to have surgery to excise (take out) the scar tissue and replace the implants. You may also need to change the plane of your implants. For example, if the implants are now subglandular, it may be best to switch them to submuscular... more

This is likely contracture of the scar tissue around the implants. It will not likely get better, your breasts will likely not get softer, and the deformity, if any, will also likely not improve. I recommend you seek out a plastic surgeon for evaluation. You should decide if you want to remove the implants with the scar tissue capsule and leave them out, or do you want to replace them with silicone or saline. Also, you may have to decide to go from over the muscle to under, and even,... more

Plastic surgeons grade hardness or capsular contracture caused by the dynamic shrinkage of the collagen capsule surrounding the implants with a system from 1 to 4. Grade 4 is when the implants are hard and painful and is considered the worst form of capsular contracture. This, along with grade 3 when the implants are hard and distorted in shape or form but not painful, often is an indication for revision. Depending on your history and the specific anatomy of your situation, various options... more

Yes it could be the onset of capsular contracture and associated change.  As the scar surrounding the implant contracts, firmness is noted and they are often painful.  No matter what, a good examination is needed to rule out other issues with further testing possibly necessary.  Hope this helps!