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

Question

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

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.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

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,

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Painful breast implants

Answer: Painful breast implants

Answer: Time for breast revision

Answer: Time for breast revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Painful breast implants

Answer: Painful breast implants

Answer: Time for breast revision

Answer: Time for breast revision

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.