Silicone Implants 8 Years Ago. Breast Has Become Lumpy and Painful - Is It Dangerous?

Most likely you have developed signifcant amount of capsular contracture after having had breast augmentation with silicone implants. There is even the possibility that the implant might have ruptured. I have had at lease one patient with a cohesive type silicone implant who had parts of the implant break off and show up as a lump (see picture in web reference).

You need to be evaluated by a board certified plastics surgeon and have your implant evaluated with an MRI before considering your treatment options.

It sounds like your implant may have ruptures and you may have developed capsular contracture. Please see your surgeon as soon as possible. 

You should schedule a consultaiton with a certified plastic surgeon who would most likely obtain imaging studies such as an MRI to evaulate the breast and help plan surgery which most likley would require a capsulectomy and possible resection of extracapsular silicone

You may have a ruptured silicone breast implant which is causing you to have pain and a lump.  There are no health risks of this condition but you may consider surgery to have the implant and the scar tissue removed and replaced with a new implant.  This may also alleviate your painful symptoms.  This can be a more complicated surgery than your first one, especially if the contents of the implant have spread within the breast pocket or space surrounding the implant. The implant may need to be converted from above the pectoral muscle to below the pectoral muscle.

To confirm the diagnosis you can obtain an MRI, however if you are having pain, there isn't a great need for this study since you will likely have surgery to replace the implant due to your painful symptoms.

I recommend you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a comprehensive exam and a treatment plan of your options.

It sounds like you have a capsular contracture.  This is excessive scar tissue that forms around an implant.  The treatment involves removal of the capsule and/or change in the original pocket placement.  The best advice is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to get all of your options.

Dr. ES