Why Do My Breast Implants Feel Hard?

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woman examining her breastIn the beginning of your recovery from breast augmentation, your implants will most likely feel firm and be higher on the chest, but these concerns should only be temporary. Swelling during your initial recovery is also normal, but this may cause a feeling of tightness in the chest. As your body continues to heal, the saline or silicone breast implants should “drop” and settle into their proper location, softening during this process. Breast implant massage — as instructed by your plastic surgeon — can help encourage your breast implants to settle faster.

If your breast implants still feel hard and uncomfortable after several weeks, you may have developed capsular contracture. This is a condition that happens when the scar capsule that forms around the implant hardens. In over 98% of patients, the scarring remains thin and soft, but for those with capsular contracture, the capsule can be abnormally hard and squeeze the implant, creating an unnatural appearance. Depending on the grade of capsular contracture, you may have subtle or more severe symptoms. The best way to learn if your firm breast implants are being caused by capsular contracture is to schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon.

Dr. Neil J. Zemmel takes several precautions to minimize your risk of complications like capsular contracture following breast implant surgery. Before your procedure, he will discuss what to expect during your recovery and what signs to look for that may indicate you have a complication and should be evaluated.