Softening hard breast implants is a common issue that can be addressed through a surgical procedure called a “capsulotomy”. During a capsulotomy, excess scar tissue which has built up around the breast implant will be removed and reshaped to better conform to the natural shape of the breast.
The procedure may be performed with local anesthesia or a general anesthetic depending on the preference of the patient and the surgeon. After the procedure, the results are immediate and the breasts will appear smoother with softer, more natural-feeling implants.
The surgery can also help to improve the shape and symmetry of the breasts and restore volume if needed. In order to achieve the best results, it is important to choose a board-certified surgeon with considerable experience in performing breast implant surgery.
It is also important to communicate any desired changes you may have in mind before undergoing the procedure so that your doctor can properly plan the surgery and provide you with the best results.
What does it mean when your breast implant gets hard?
When a breast implant gets hard, it is typically a sign of a condition known as capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when the tissue around the implant begins to tighten and harden, forming a capsule.
This condition typically occurs with both saline and silicone implants and can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may only be noticeable when pressing on the breast whereas more severe cases can cause changes in the shape, size, and position of the breast.
Symptoms of capsular contracture may include hardening, tenderness, and pain in the implant area, and also a visible change in shape or position of the breast.
In some cases, capsular contracture can be treated without full removal of the implant. Treatment may involve a massage and stretching techniques to help the capsule soften and relax, massage along the breast tissue to help redistribute the internal fluids and help break up the capsule, medications, or a steroid injection to calm the tissue and reduce scar tissue.
If the severity of the condition warrants, full removal of the implant or a surgical procedure may be necessary. It is important that any signs of hardening are discussed with a physician in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Is it normal for implants to feel hard?
Yes, it is normal for implants to feel hard. This is especially true for those who have recently had breast augmentation surgery, as the implants will often feel firm and beLocated beneath the muscle.
In the months following the procedure, the implants should begin to soft and feel more natural due to the formation of scar tissue. However, it is common for the implants to remain firm if they are placed beneath the muscle.
It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor, as he or she will be able to inform you of what to expect in the months following the surgery.
Can capsular contracture go away by itself?
Capsular contracture is a condition that causes hardening and tightening of the scar tissue capsule around the breast implant after a breast augmentation procedure. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that this condition will go away on its own.
In some cases, the capsule may naturally soften and require less intervention; however, if the contracture progresses to an uncomfortable level, it may need to be addressed with medical intervention.
In the majority of cases, the cause of capsular contracture is not known; however, some possible causes are a response to a foreign body (the implant), trauma, bacterial contamination, or blocked blood supply.
Certain factors like hematoma (bleeding), seroma (excess blood or serum), infection, excessive fat re-absorption, and use of steroids can increase the patient’s risk of developing capsular contracture.
If capsular contracture is suspected, accurate diagnosis can be made by a physician. To treat the condition, some physicians may recommend oral antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help soften the capsule.
Furthermore, physical adjusting of the implant may help; however, in severe cases, some may recommend removing the affected implant and replacing it with a new one. Unfortunately, once the capsule has formed, it may be impossible to prevent capsular contracture from occurring again.
What are the early signs of capsular contracture?
Early signs of capsular contracture can include:
1. Unusually firm breasts: One of the earliest signs of capsular contracture is an unnatural firmness in the breasts.
2. Changes in shape: Capsular contracture causes visible changes in the shape of the breasts, making them look deformed.
3. Unevenness or asymmetry: This is one of the most common early signs of capsular contracture.
4. Pain: If you experience any kind of discomfort or pain in the area of the affected breast, it might be an indication of capsular contracture.
5. Heat in the affected breast: If you feel any kind of warmth coming from the affected breast, it might be a sign of capsular contracture.
It is important to be aware of any of these signs and contact your doctor if you suspect you might have capsular contracture.
How do you break up capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition in which the scar tissue around a breast implant hardens and tightens, causing the breast to become firm, painful, and misshapen. In order to break up a capsular contracture, it is important to seek the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments may include:
1. Massage techniques. Your surgeon can teach you how to do specific massage techniques to help break up the hardened scar tissue in order to redistribute the implant in the natural position.
2. Stretching exercises. A physical therapist can teach specific stretching exercises to help stretch out the capsule and reduce the tension on the breast.
3. Corticosteroid injections. Injections of corticosteroid medications into the capsule can help to reduce scar tissue and inflammation.
4. Surgery. In some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended to release and remove the hardened capsule from around the implant.
Following the treatment plan set out by your surgeon is essential in order to help break up a capsular contracture and restore the breasts to a more natural shape and feel. It is also important to keep in mind that breaking up capsular contracture can take some time, and in some cases, may require a combination of treatments.
Does massaging implants make them softer?
Massaging implants can help to soften them, however it is important to note that it cannot make them completely soft. There are different types of implants with varying levels of firmness; for instance, silicone implants are already quite soft, whereas saline implants tend to be firmer.
Massaging all types of implants can help to break up any scar tissue and make them feel more natural in the breast pocket. It is important to perform massage techniques carefully, as this can help to reduce capsule contracture and maintain a more even distribution of the implant’s contents.
It is also important to note that massaging the implant will not make it smaller, as the implant is already the size that it is. Massaging can help to make them more comfortable and adjust their position, but not decrease their size.
How long do breast implants stay hard?
Breast implants stay hard forever, although initially they may feel hard due to the firmness of the implant material. The implant will eventually remain hard throughout its lifetime, as the body adjusts to the implants over time.
While the firmness won’t change, the implants may appear to feel softer due to the additional soft tissue and muscle around them. Over time you may find that the breast implants may move around more than when initially placed, due to the body’s natural healing process, but this does not have any effect on implant longevity.
Ultimately, breast implants should remain soft and fair for several years with proper care.
When do implants start to soften?
Implants typically start to soften around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. This is due to the body’s natural healing process. As the body heals, the capsule around the implant starts to become softer and weaker.
This process can take several months in some cases, depending on the individual and their natural healing process. Softening of the implant typically occurs gradually over time, but the implant may not reach its full softness until 12 to 16 weeks after the procedure.
What causes breast implant to become hard?
Breast implants can become hard for a variety of reasons, including capsular contracture, external compression, implant shifting, and calcification.
Capsular contracture is the most common cause of hardness with breast implants and occurs when the body responds to the implant by forming scar tissue around the implant, causing it to become hard. This can be caused by a bacterial infection, bruising, trauma, or excessive pressure on the breast.
External compression can also cause the implants to become hard. This occurs when the implants are compressed, such as when wearing a body-hugging garment, or when the breasts are overly squeezed.
Implants can also become hard over time due to implant shifting within the body. This is due to gravity and the natural movement of the body, which can cause the implant to shift and become hard.
Finally, calcification can also cause breast implants to become hard. Calcification is the buildup of calcium deposits around the implant, which can restrict movement and make the implant hard.
