Hard Breast Implants

I had silicone breast implants inserted 4 years ago, and they have always been just fine, but now they are getting hard. I am worried that something is leaking.

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Hard Breast Implants Indicate Capsular Contracture

Thank you for your question. Breast Implants that become hard usually indicate Capsular Contracture or scar tissue around the implants. This is not an indication of leakage. See your doctor for an exam. There is normally a small amount of silicone leakage around all silicone gel implants but this is not harmful. A rupture of the implant typically follows trauma of some kind and results in a change of the shape of the implant. An MRI is used to diagnose a rupture. The causes... more

All gel implants leak to an extent.

Hello, Silicone implants all leak to some extent and a patient's body can respond to this silicone gel sometimes by depositing scar tissue and/ or calcium crystals. This is thought to occur less with the more modern cohesive gel implants, but we really do not know the bottom line here yet as they have not been in use all that long. At four years, you are a bit early, but reaction to silicone gel is still possible. I would get in to see your surgeon and consider an MRI and/or operation to... more

Gradually Harder? - A Capsule Summary

Patients may develop a progressive hardening of the breasts during the months and years following breast augmentation. This is called Capsular Contracture or Encapsulation. The cause of this condition is not clearly known, and the presentation is variable; some patients may develop it in only one breast, other patients in both breasts, and some patients never have the problem; it may appear very soon after augmentation, or many years later. Generally, the implant does not need to be... more

It sounds like capsular contracture

It is sometimes the case that implants will develop a hard scar around them causing a distorted look, a harder feel, and even pain on some occasions. All patients with implants form a "capsule" around the implant as this is a natural reaction by the body to something foreign. But in a "capsular contracture," this scar tissue becomes harder than normal. You should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon who can tell you on physical exam if this is happening. The status of your implants,... more

Get evaluated by your plastic surgeon - It may be capsular contracture

Silicone or saline breast implants can develop a condition called capsular contracture (where excess scar tissue forms around the implant) shortly after surgery or in years to come. The only way to determine what is causing your condition is the evaluation by your surgeon, and possibly an MRI to determine the condition of your implants. When you had your implant surgery, the process of informed consent should have included specific language about the changes you may experience over time,... more

Hard Breast Implants

I do not know if there is leakage. It can be diagnosed with some degree of accuracy using an MRI. But the hardness of your implants makes me think that you have a capsular contracture. This means that you need to have your capsule removed and your implants replaced. The old implants have a biofilm with bacteria that cannot be remove d from the implant. Please see your Plastic Surgeon for evaluation.

Hard Breast Implants

Implants that become hard and sometimes distorted or painful have capsular contractures. There are four grades of contractures depending upon the hardness and appearance. The cause of capsular contractures is unknown but current thinking favors a bacterial etiology at the time of insertion. There are some ways to try to avoid this problem. Covering the nipple areolar complex with betadine and cleaning the incision with betadine frequently are some of the ways to try... more

Encapsulation of breast implants

Firming of an implant or both breasts can be caused from encapsulation. Encapsulation, also known as capsular contracture, is scar tissue formed around the implants. Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, you may require revisionary surgery to remove the capsule. If it is painful or you notice any distortions, I would suggest consulting with your plastic surgeon or a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best option for you as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the... more

Silicone breast implants are getting hard.

This is most likely due to capsular contracture around the implant. This can happen at any time after the surgery, even several years. Sometimes, a leaking silicone implant will induce capsular contracture. However, if both breasts are firm, it is unlikely that both implants are leaking. If your surgeon is concerned about leaking, he/she will consider ordering an MRI to evaluate the implants for leaking . Hope this helps. Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS

MRI will answer your question about a leak

With the new silicone implants, leak detection can be more difficult than in the past. A leak could definitely present with a hardened breast and this should be evaluated with an MRI which will detect this. You should be evaluated by a plastic surgeon who could set you up for this study. You could also simply be developing a capsular contracture without a leak, which also can present as a progressively hardened breast. Either way, your condition may be treatable and responding to the... more

Implants getting hard is not caused by leaking.

After 4 years, you definitely should have an MRI of your breasts to make sure they are intact. But this is probably not the problem. You are getting capsular contracture around the intact implants. This happens to about 5 percent of patients and, most of the time, we do't know exactly why. If it's just a little firmness, I think it's best to accept it and live with it. If they are really hard (and this is very rare), then you may need a revision.

Implants can form a hard capsule after many years.

Although it is unusual, some women can form a hard scar, or capsular contracture, many years after the initial implant. Most firm capsules form within the first year after surgery. However, some women notice changes after pregnancy or nursing. No matter what the cause, it should be evaluated by your Plastic Surgeon. It may just be a scar, but it could also be a rupture. Your surgeon should evaluate the scar and most likely will order an MRI to evaluate the implants. If the implants are... more

Implants may harden even years after placement

The hardening of your breasts now four years after your surgery may mean that you are developing a capsular contracture. Every breast implant, and any foreign material placed within the body develops a scar capsule around it. In a small percentage (about 1 in 200 to 500) of woman with breast implants the capsule tightens or contracts and thickens. This leads to a hardening of the breast. Your board certified plastic surgeon can assist you with a diagnosis and advise you on how to... more

Hard implants most likely capsular contracture

Hard implants are more likely a capsular contracture than a leak. A ruptured implant would deflate if it was saline, or possibly become mishapen and flatter if it were gel. An MRI will detect a ruptured gel implant.