30 year old implants have gone hard, is there a danger here?

Question

Implants were done in the 80's and are now rock hard. The left breast is hard at the top and right breast completely hard. After the implants i wad a 34DD and now a 34E! I cannot lye on my back or stomach as it is painful and I feel asif the skin will tear. Is there a danger here?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hardening of the implants accompanied by pain may be an indication of capsular contracture. Please see your surgeon as soon as you can for an examination. You may need corrective surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear whatiff,based on your description, you likely have a capsular contracture. It would be the best to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Though there is not any danger it sound as if you have developed firm capsular contractures of your implants which is best treated with removal of the scar tissue.  This should help alleviate your pain and tearing sensations.  Hope this helps.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about your complications.  From your story, it sounds llke you have bilateral capsular contracture.  This is likely due to bilateral implant rupture.  The older, second generation silicone gel implants of the 80’s had very thin shells and a much higher rupture rate than the current implants.  Best to get an in-person consult for optimal advice.  If you do indeed have capsular contracture, the recommendation will likely be capsulectomy with implant removal with/without new implants.  Good luck.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about hardness in your breasts after having breast augmentation surgery in the 1980's.  I would recommend you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who has performed numerous breast surgeries that involve implant removal, implant removal with capsulectomy and breast implant exchange. Since you're in pain, I would recommend you seek medical advice in person.  I hope this is helpful and wish you the very best.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You would need to be seen in person, but by your description it sounds like you have a capsular contracture.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There is not necessarily any danger. However, if you are feeling that uncomfortable I would highly recommend having the implants removed. Sounds like you've developed calcified capsules and the capsules should be removed as well. This may make you a lot more comfortable. Hope this helps.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

You have developed abnormal tightening of the capsule (the normal scar tissue that lines the implant pocket). This is called capsular contracture. This condition may cause pain and the scar tissue can even calcify like an eggshell over the years.While there is no "health danger" from this, it clearly is a cosmetic issue and a comfort issue. The most common treatments are either complete removal of the scar tissue and replacing the implants or changing the implant from in front of the muscle to behind or vice-versa.You would need to be evaluated in person to best advise you as to the best option for your individual situation.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I am sorry to hear of your difficulty.  Based on your history you most likely have capsular contracture around your breast implants.  You need to be examined by a plastic surgeon for a formal diagnosis and plan of treatment.

Samuel Maurice, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

I recommend that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.  
What you are describing sounds like a capsular contracture.  While this is my suspicion, a 
good in-person exam is necessary to determine what is actually going on.

30 year old implants have gone hard, is there a danger here?

Answers (12)

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