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What Could Be the Cause of Hardening in Breast After Implants?

asked 1 year ago by angie50 in georgia
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 326 times
Tags: silicone implant, harden, mastectomy

I had silicone implants put in in June. It's been about 6 weeks and I have a hardening in my left breast. The area is about 3 inches long and an inch wide. This breast received radiation treatment 6 years ago. I had a mastectomy in August of 2009. Tissue expanders and then the implants. This was my second round with breast cancer. I underwent chemo as well.

4 answers to What Could Be the Cause of Hardening in Breast After Implants?

+1

Hardening of the breast

Usually hardening of the breast reconstruction that occurs after impalnt placement is from a capsular contracture. You should have it checked out by your surgeon.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Hardening of Breast Implant Breast Reconstruction

The most common cause of hardening of a breast implant reconstruction is a capsular contracture. Data published by the implant manufacturer Mentor in their patient labeling “Saline-Filled Breast Implant Surgery: Making an Informed Decision” outlines the findings of their study of saline filled implants required by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The data below have been extracted from the publication, which is available in its entirety on the website... more
David Greenspun, MD, MSc

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.davidgreenspunmd.com

+1

Hardening in the Breast after Implant Breast Reconstruction

I am sorry to hear about your implant problems.  It sounds as if you have a capsular contracture.  In patients who have had radiation, I find the incidence of capsular contracture to be unacceptably high.   I would recommend a form of autologous reconstruction (DIEP/TRAM/LD)  to bring in healthy non radiated tissue to your breast mound.  I would also recommend removal of the hardened implant capsule and replacement of the implant if a Latissimus Flap is chosen.... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Radiation is associated with Scarring

From your description it sounds like you have been through a lot: Radiation, Mastectomies and Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders followed by silicone breast implants. Radiation is a double edge sword; while it helps kill cancer cells it also harms normal breast tissue and its blood vessels. The result of radiation is a hard skin with little vessels which does not stretch well and may break down. Women who had radiation also have a higher rate of scarring around the implants... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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