My implants are 35 years old and hard as a rock, also my breasts are very tender is this dangerous?

Thanks for your question. Your condition is not
dangerous but does need medical attention. Implants that are 15 years old have
a 50% leak rate on MRI scans according to one study, and by 35 years, the
chance of an implant leak is quite high. The firmness of the implants is
related to excess scar tissue formed around the implants (capsular
contracture), which in its most severe form can be painful. The recommended
surgical procedure would be to remove not only the implants but the entire
capsule. The only medical risk from waiting is the chance that the implant
leakage could extend into the breast tissue, which would complicate removal but
would not make you systemically ill and in that sense is not dangerous. I
suggest you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Capsular contracture is when there is abnormal scarring around your implant, tightening it and causing the breast to feel firm. The breast may also look abnormally round or elevated. This can sometimes be treated without surgery, but if the problem persists, you may need surgery. I recommend you go back to your surgeon to have your breast checked out as soon as you can. Best of luck.

Implants that are 35 years old are not nearly as good quality as implants used presently. More than likely these implants fail many years ago. I think you would be best served by having the implants in the capsules removed. Whether or not you want the implants replaced is a personal matter.

It sounds as if you may have developed capsules.  You would need to consult a board certified plastic surgeon for a definitive diagnosis but you probably need a capsulectomy and replacement of implants.  Find a surgeon who specializes in revisional breast surgery.Best of luck,

Thanks for your question- It certainly sounds as though you have severe capsular contracture and it is very likely that your old implants are ruptured.  I strongly recommend an evaluation with a local board certified plastic surgeon.  Your scar tissue around the implants are likely calcified, which means that calcium is deposited in the problematic tissue making it literally as hard as a rock.  The tenderness you describe is also consistent with this situation and can get worse.  It is relatively clearly time for you to have a revision of your breast augmentation.The best news is that this can all likely be relatively easily fixed!Best wishes, Dr. L

Thank you for your question.  Most likely your implants are ruptured and your body has walled it off with excess scar tissue causing encapsulation.  It is best that you have surgery to remove them (and any free silicone in the chest wall area) to avoid any health problems.  Newer silicone implants are much better then 35 years ago.  I would seek a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs a lot of breast revision surgery.  best of luck to you

Old, hard implants usually have a thick wall of scar tissue, or capsule around the implants.  There is a high probability that your implants are broken.  It would be in your best interest to have the implants and capsules removed. We now have much safer implants than 35 years ago, and they carry a much lower risk of hard capsule formation.  I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options.  If the implants are ruptured, many insurance companies may cover the removal of the implants..

Given
the length of time you’ve had your implants and the symptoms you’re describing,
it sounds to me that you have severe grade capsular contracture. At the very
least, I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who
specializes in breast implant revision to get a definitive diagnosis. After a
consultation, you can discuss your options. The newest generations of silicone
implants are much more reliable than earlier models, and a full removal of the
hardened scar tissue surrounding the implants combined with a replacement of
new implants is likely to offer very positive results, plus a much more natural
look and comfortable feel than you’re currently experiencing.

Thank you for your question.  Based on your history you most likely have significant capsular contraction around your breast implants.  I would suggest an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon and and MRI examination to see if you have an implant rupture.  It is unlikely that your condition is dangerous however for your comfort implant removal might be an option.