I had breast implants and they have become hard over the last few years. Will capsulotomy surgery help?

Breast implants can harden (actually the tissue around the implants can harden) resulting in distortion of the breasts and at times pain. We have discussed the problem (Capsular Contracture) here before.

Significant breast implant hardening does not complicate all breast implant patients, but when it does additional surgery is the only good solution. The process involves the formation of a “capsule” of scar surrounding the breast implant. At times this capsule has an elastic consistency and at other times it can be “studded” by deposits of calcium that make it really rock hard.

Surgery to soften the hardened breast can involve scoring the scarred capsule to release the tension (Capsulotomy.) When the capsule is quite firm or studded with calcium, more involved surgery is in order. Capsulectomy involves the removal of all or parts of that scarred capsule.

Whether either of these treatments will work depends upon the cause of the contracture. Usually the implants can be replaced, but in really severe cases they need to be removed.

What you really need is a good evaluation by an experienced plastic surgeon to figure your best course of action.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD

Related:

“What Do I Do With These Old Breast Implants?”

Originally posted 2011-07-06 07:30:03.