Hi, I have breast implants which are about 22 years old. My left breast has been hurting on and off for about a year, recently I’ve noticed it’s harder and bigger than the right breast. It seems to sit higher that the other breast. My doctor is sending me for a mammogram. Should I be worried?
Answer: Likely capsular contracture. Your descriptions of a hardening of your breast, a shifting of your breast superiorly and some discomfort, are very common with development of capsular contracture. Your doctor is being prudent having you get a mammogram to evaluate your breast tissue. If your mammogram is normal, you should have a discussion with your plastic surgeon about your options to correct your concern.
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Answer: Likely capsular contracture. Your descriptions of a hardening of your breast, a shifting of your breast superiorly and some discomfort, are very common with development of capsular contracture. Your doctor is being prudent having you get a mammogram to evaluate your breast tissue. If your mammogram is normal, you should have a discussion with your plastic surgeon about your options to correct your concern.
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Answer: Capsular Contracture Capsular contracture is a progressive process. It is the gradual hardening and distortion of the implant as sequential layers of capsular scar tissue are laid down. It can take several years to develop. Most begin with a change in palpable softness eventually changing in appearance and finally becoming painful/uncomfortable. It is treated by capsulectomy (removal of the offending scar tissue). However, patients should be aware that recurrence rates are high. Based upon your story, my suspicion for capsular contracture is high. It is always warranted to begin with imaging (Mammo/US). Assuming imaging is negative, I would recommend seeking out consultation with your surgeon. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
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Answer: Capsular Contracture Capsular contracture is a progressive process. It is the gradual hardening and distortion of the implant as sequential layers of capsular scar tissue are laid down. It can take several years to develop. Most begin with a change in palpable softness eventually changing in appearance and finally becoming painful/uncomfortable. It is treated by capsulectomy (removal of the offending scar tissue). However, patients should be aware that recurrence rates are high. Based upon your story, my suspicion for capsular contracture is high. It is always warranted to begin with imaging (Mammo/US). Assuming imaging is negative, I would recommend seeking out consultation with your surgeon. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
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October 8, 2024
Answer: Breasts You probably have a capsule, but a mammogram is good to make sure there is not extra fluid or something unusual. Since your implants are 22 years old, you will need to exchange them if surgery is done.
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October 8, 2024
Answer: Breasts You probably have a capsule, but a mammogram is good to make sure there is not extra fluid or something unusual. Since your implants are 22 years old, you will need to exchange them if surgery is done.
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October 1, 2024
Answer: Capsular contracture Hi, thanks for your question. The symptoms that you describe are most likely secondary to capsular contracture, but other causes need to be ruled out. You should undergo assessment in a breast clinic (typically called a one-stop clinic in the UK) where you will have a physical examination, imaging, and biopsies if they are required. You should have some imaging that will specifically assess the integrity of the implant, for example an ultrasound scan or MRI. It is most likely that this is related to your implant and is not likely to impact your overall health - once other problems have been ruled out then you should consider consulting a plastic surgeon with an interest in aesthetic breast surgery.
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October 1, 2024
Answer: Capsular contracture Hi, thanks for your question. The symptoms that you describe are most likely secondary to capsular contracture, but other causes need to be ruled out. You should undergo assessment in a breast clinic (typically called a one-stop clinic in the UK) where you will have a physical examination, imaging, and biopsies if they are required. You should have some imaging that will specifically assess the integrity of the implant, for example an ultrasound scan or MRI. It is most likely that this is related to your implant and is not likely to impact your overall health - once other problems have been ruled out then you should consider consulting a plastic surgeon with an interest in aesthetic breast surgery.
Helpful
September 26, 2024
Answer: Thank you for your question! The body naturally forms a capsule around any foreign object, including implants, it can lead to excessive tightening. While capsular contracture is not fully understood, the solution is to change the implant in order to relive the pain and discomfort, although it doesn’t guarantee this happen again, it will give you the alleviation you need. Hopefully this helps!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 26, 2024
Answer: Thank you for your question! The body naturally forms a capsule around any foreign object, including implants, it can lead to excessive tightening. While capsular contracture is not fully understood, the solution is to change the implant in order to relive the pain and discomfort, although it doesn’t guarantee this happen again, it will give you the alleviation you need. Hopefully this helps!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful