I had breast augmentation 30 years ago and they are rock hard and hurt like hell. Can I just get someone to make them go away?

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your
question.It sounds like you have capsular contractures which would require total capsulectomy with removal of the scar tissue and implant material

To be sure, see
two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and
complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe
for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

Hi Barb,I am sooo sorry you are having problems.It sounds like not only do you have capsules, but they may be calcified.  So yes, you can remove the implants, remove the scar capsule and calcium, and hopefully become pain free.  Or you may want new implants which would be softer.  Be sure to see only a board certified
plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of Plastic Surgery) who is a
member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and or a
member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Also, ask if they have
an established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year. Ask to see their before and after
photos if you didn’t see any on their website. If they are experienced,
they should have several 100 breast implant patients for you to view. I
would also recommend that your doctor offer you the chance to talk to past
patients who would be happy to discuss their experience with you. You
need to feel comfortable, so make sure the environment is safe as in an
accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she has
ever published journal articles in professional peer-reviewed journals, which
they can provide you.All the best, “Dr. Joe”

Absolutely!  You can and should have your implants and the surrounding scar tissue or capsule removed. If you have old gel implants, they are probably leaking. This can be done as an outpatient procedure.  If you have Medicare, it might cover the removal of the implants and capsules.  I would suggest seeing a plastic surgeon and discuss your options.

Yes you can have your implants and the surrounding capsule removed.When an implant is placed during the course of a breast augmentation the body and actually forms a lining around the implant creating a barrier between the foreign object and the rest of the body. Normally this barrier is thin and soft and does not create any change in the appearance of the breast. This lining is called the capsule. If this capsule thickens, becomes harder and shrinks in size the breast will feel firmer and possibly change shape. This shrinkage of the capsule is called a capsular contracture. 92% of capsular contractures will occur within the first 12 months following surgery. Although the exact cause for a capsular contracture is not well understood there are a few things that seem to be related to this phenomena. Implants placed under the muscle have a lower incidence of capsular contracture than implants placed above the muscle. A hematoma is a collection of blood in a confined space. If bleeding occurs in the pocket after a breast augmentation, and is not removed the accumulated blood will gradually be broken down. As the blood is broken down inflammation occurs in the pocket which can then lead to the formation of a capsular contracture. Any type of infection in the pocket can cause inflammation leading to a capsular contracture. The infection can be very minor and not causing any other symptoms. In it's most severe form the capsule can actually become calcified and resemble a rock. Treatment of this will likely require removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule with or without replacement of the implant. It will be important for you to consult a surgeon board certified by the American Board of plastic surgery who has significant experience in the management of capsular contracture.

Yes!!!! See a board certified plastic surgeon with an interest in breast and those implants and capsules can be removed!  I recently wrote a blog post about this for real self that should be up any day.  But yes, there is no reason for you to live with this.

I am sorry to hear about the complication you have experience; it sounds like you are dealing with aggressive encapsulation and will benefit from removal of the breast implants and capsulectomy surgery. Whether you choose to have breast re augmentation performed will be a personal decision.  In regards to selecting a plastic surgeon, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. Then, once you feel comfortable that your plastic surgeon has extensive experience helping patients achieve the types of outcomes you would be pleased with in a safe fashion, it will be important for you to communicate your goals carefully.  You may find the attached link, dedicated to revisionary breast surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more.  Best wishes.  

Yes, you most certainly can have these rock-hard implants treated!  You likely have firmness due to capsular contracture with probable calcification of the scar - the scar may have actually turned into "rock".  Removal of the implants and the capsules would be in order.  Your doctor can give you specific advice after seeing you in consultation.

I'm very sorry that you're having these symptoms.In general - yes, someone should be able to help with this.  You'll probably need removal of the capsules along with the implants (it's usually the capsules that are that hard) and that may lead to issues with skin viability if your skin is very thin.  And you may want a lift to restore the shape.For those reasons and more I'd suggest that you consult with one or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area and see what your options are.  That will, hopefully, provide relief for your pain.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for removal of the scar tissue, and your breast implants.  This should eliminate the discomfort.  Best wishes!