Why are my implants so hard? They feel and look like balls in my chest. (photo)

Question

I got my implants back in 1999 by a doctor that soon lost his license. I wasn’t able too go to my post op appointments. He did the procedure in his office. It was don’t through my belly button. He placed a hollow metal tube through the belly button and ran it up to my breast area where he created 2 pockets for the implants to be placed. He ran the implants up through the tubes and filled them with saline. He told me they would soften. They haven’t and I’m concerned.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...It's hard to say without seeing you in person. You may be experiencing capsular contracture. Please find a board certified PS for an assessment.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You need to be seen by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what is going on with your breasts. Being very firm and high may be indicative of capsular contracture. Good luck.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is hard to comment on the cause of your breast firmness without a proper examination.  One potential problem could be capsular contracture, which is an abnormally thick layer of scar-like tissue around the breast implants.  You would need to arrange a proper assessment by a surgeon in your area to confirm the diagnosis.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kknight9296,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A breast becoming hard and high is characteristic of capsular contracture. There are many corrective measures to remove thickened scar tissue and signs of capsular contracture. The corrective procedure used for your capsular contracture will depend on your specific issue. The most likely procedure will be a capsulectomy.  Recommend that you schedule a consultation with an APBS board certified PS to have the implants removed and replaced with silicone or gummy bears.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

You likely have saline implants above the muscle. The result of that surgery is always very "fake" and "look like balls on your chest". They have probably developed some degree of capsular contracture, which is making them hard. I would recommend conversion to under the muscle and exchange of the implants to silicone. This should solve all of your issues with shape and feel. Best of luck!BH

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. You likely have older saline implants in front of the muscle (??) and they have developed capsular contracture. This cannot be diagnosed without an exam but that is my guess based on the pictures and description. I would suggest you go see a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a consultation to discuss your options for revision.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your implant related issues.  You are suffering with capsular contracture, where the tissue around your implant has hardened and is squeezing down onto your implants.  Correction can be sought as part of a revision procedure to exchange your implants.  Please see a series of ASPS board certified plastic surgeons in consultation to discuss the best options for your desired outcome.  Hope this helps.

Marc Klein, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and experience. Clearly, the problems you are having stem from the method, implant placement, and the surgeon's technique.    Very few surgeons used the transumbilical technique, and though it can be done well, it is certainly more likely to result in your type of problem when not done correctly.    You clearly need to see an experienced surgeon for an exam and recommendations.   I do believe you can be helped, but without an exam to determine whether you have severe capsules, the position of the implant, etc., one could not advise on your options.   I suggest you seek a few consults with a reputable surgeon in your area.

Rachel Ford, MD · Answer

Hello!
Thanks for your question and including photos. Your saline implants are 19 years ago, and look like they may be above the muscle. You are likely having capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implants has become thick and contracts down around the implants. When you see a Plastic Surgeon for evaluation, they may recommend removing the scar tissue, switching implants to under the muscle, and possibly switching to silicone implants. This will likely improve both the look and feel of your implants. Best of luck!
Dr Ford

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Why are my implants so hard? They feel and look like balls in my chest. (photo)

Answers (13)

BREAST IMPLANTS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU