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.
Answer: 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 of Capsular Contracture are not fully understood. However low grade bacterial infection or excessive bleeding during the placement of the implants are both believed to contribute.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: 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 of Capsular Contracture are not fully understood. However low grade bacterial infection or excessive bleeding during the placement of the implants are both believed to contribute.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Potentially Capsular Contracture If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. If the diagnosis is made of capsular contracture, depending on its severity, the implants may need to be removed and replaced. Symptoms: The implant begins to feel hard The implant looks smaller, more ball-shaped, or distorted in some other form The implant is higher on your chest Pain, tightness, discomfort in your chest I hope that answers your question regarding your symptoms. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. You might also want to research your options for breast implants in case you need to have your current ones replaced. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you? A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”. So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!" That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours. This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Potentially Capsular Contracture If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. If the diagnosis is made of capsular contracture, depending on its severity, the implants may need to be removed and replaced. Symptoms: The implant begins to feel hard The implant looks smaller, more ball-shaped, or distorted in some other form The implant is higher on your chest Pain, tightness, discomfort in your chest I hope that answers your question regarding your symptoms. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients. You might also want to research your options for breast implants in case you need to have your current ones replaced. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you? A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”. So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!" That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours. This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!
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March 29, 2016
Answer: Hard Breast Implants? Thank you for your question. If your implants are just now becoming hard, it may be indicative of a capsular formation around your implants. Scar tissue around implants is the bodies natural response to the implant (foreign object) but occasionally this response is heightened and the scar tissue grows and constricts around your implant, commonly referred to as a capsular contracture. I would recommend following up with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a complete clinical assessment. It is possible that a physical exam may be all that's necessary but your doctor may send you for a MRI of the bilateral breasts to examine the health of your current implants or diagnosis an implant rupture. I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!
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CONTACT NOW March 29, 2016
Answer: Hard Breast Implants? Thank you for your question. If your implants are just now becoming hard, it may be indicative of a capsular formation around your implants. Scar tissue around implants is the bodies natural response to the implant (foreign object) but occasionally this response is heightened and the scar tissue grows and constricts around your implant, commonly referred to as a capsular contracture. I would recommend following up with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a complete clinical assessment. It is possible that a physical exam may be all that's necessary but your doctor may send you for a MRI of the bilateral breasts to examine the health of your current implants or diagnosis an implant rupture. I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!
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October 5, 2014
Answer: An increase in hardness should be evaluated First if there is a change, that should be investigated. If they were soft and now they are hard, it will likely require some surgery for capsular contracture.
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CONTACT NOW October 5, 2014
Answer: An increase in hardness should be evaluated First if there is a change, that should be investigated. If they were soft and now they are hard, it will likely require some surgery for capsular contracture.
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December 14, 2014
Answer: Possible capsular contracture Please see your surgeon as soon as you can. Hardening of breast implants is often indicative of capsular contracture. This is a complication that should be addressed. Best of luck.
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CONTACT NOW December 14, 2014
Answer: Possible capsular contracture Please see your surgeon as soon as you can. Hardening of breast implants is often indicative of capsular contracture. This is a complication that should be addressed. Best of luck.
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April 1, 2014
Answer: Capsular Contracture Following Breast Augmentation Surgery Unfortunately, you describe classic capsular contracture of your breast following breast augmentation. It’s important that you see your plastic surgeon and have a treatment plan formulated to deal with this problem. Whenever a foreign material is placed inside your body, it will generate a reaction from the surrounding tissue. This typically results in a fibrous capsule that surrounds the breast implant. When this occurs, following breast augmentation, we call it a capsular contracture. All patients have some capsule formation. Indeed, absence of capsule formation might result in implants shifting. When capsule formation results in contracture, patients may experience hardening of the breast, distortion of the breast and breast pain. Capsule formation can occur at any time and as time goes on, this may be accompanied by pain and progressive distortion of the breast. The breast may shift in an upward direction and develop an abnormal shape. When capsular contracture occurs, there are several treatment options. In mild cases, medical management and massage may be necessary. In severe cases of capsular contracture, surgery may be necessary. This may require release of the contracture by performing a capsulotomy, or removal of the capsule by performing a capsulectomy. Treatment has high satisfaction rates and most patients are ultimately happy.
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CONTACT NOW April 1, 2014
Answer: Capsular Contracture Following Breast Augmentation Surgery Unfortunately, you describe classic capsular contracture of your breast following breast augmentation. It’s important that you see your plastic surgeon and have a treatment plan formulated to deal with this problem. Whenever a foreign material is placed inside your body, it will generate a reaction from the surrounding tissue. This typically results in a fibrous capsule that surrounds the breast implant. When this occurs, following breast augmentation, we call it a capsular contracture. All patients have some capsule formation. Indeed, absence of capsule formation might result in implants shifting. When capsule formation results in contracture, patients may experience hardening of the breast, distortion of the breast and breast pain. Capsule formation can occur at any time and as time goes on, this may be accompanied by pain and progressive distortion of the breast. The breast may shift in an upward direction and develop an abnormal shape. When capsular contracture occurs, there are several treatment options. In mild cases, medical management and massage may be necessary. In severe cases of capsular contracture, surgery may be necessary. This may require release of the contracture by performing a capsulotomy, or removal of the capsule by performing a capsulectomy. Treatment has high satisfaction rates and most patients are ultimately happy.
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