Breast implants are the most popular cosmetic procedure that has helped several women achieve their desired breast size. However, there are several patients whose implants become hard after some time causing discomfort and change in appearance. This can be a concerning issue for many women who have undergone breast implant surgery.

In this blog post, we'll break down the common causes of hard breast implants and discuss the potential solutions.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is one of the breast implant augmentation complications. It occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and begins to tighten or contract. This tightening can cause the breast to feel hard, firm, and uncomfortable.

Furthermore, the exact cause of the capsular contracture is not fully understood till now. However several factors may contribute to its development. These can include bacterial contamination during surgery, bleeding, hematoma formation, or even a genetic predisposition.

It's essential to note that capsular contracture can occur at any time, even years after the initial surgery.

Causes of Hardened Breast Implants

Capsular contracture is the most common cause of hard breast implants, other factors can contribute to the issue.

1. Implant Rupture or Leakage: One of the major possible causes is implant rupture or leakage. When a saline implant ruptures, it deflates and causes the breast to feel harder than usual. On the other hand, silicone implants may have a silent rupture where the implant leaks silicone gel without any obvious signs. This can lead to the hardening of the breast.

2. Infection: In case, the bacteria enter the implant pocket during surgery or at any time onwards, it can lead to infection. In response to the infection, the body may create more scar tissue which can cause the implant to feel hard.

3. Excessive Trauma or Injury: Excessive trauma can result in the hardening of the implants, it may occur from the compression of the breasts. In this case, it is important to consult a plastic surgeon who specializes in botched breast augmentation revision and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Conclusion

Hard breast implants can result from various factors, one of which is capsular contracture. Some of the contributing factors are infection, rupture, trauma, etc. If you're experiencing hardening or any other unusual symptoms with your implants, you should consult with a skilled plastic surgeon like Aspenaftersurgery!