Why is one of my breasts rock hard after mastectomy and reconstruction?

Question

I have the brca 2 gene and got breast cancer. When I awoke, the breast was rock hard.The implant also did not completely fill my breast and there was a dent at the top. I went to another surgeon who removed the implant and performed a mastectomy on the other breast. She inserted expanders in both breasts. Implants were inserted a while later.The breast that was rock hard is still the same. No one will give me any explanation other than they don't want me having any more operations

Sherif Wilson, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The most likely cause is capsular contracture which is more common after having radiotherapy to the chest wall. I do think you need to be seen by a plastic surgery who specialise in breast reconstruction for assessment.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have had bilateral mastectomies then what you are feeling is the implant.  Saline tends to feel firmer than silicone but most surgeons use silicone implants for breast cancer reconstruction.  Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening) can cause hardness of implants but doesn't occur on the first day.  It is true that everytime you have implant surgery your risk of complications increases.  I would return to the surgeon to discuss and be sure you have regular follow ups as long as you have implants.  good luck

Why is one of my breasts rock hard after mastectomy and reconstruction?

Answers (2)

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