pain and hardness on RB

hello DR.

My left breast has been hard for the last 2 yrs, I kind of figured its incapsulation...I visited several doctors for second opinions. Most of them recommended surgery of course however i did want to redo and go smaller (im 650cc) there quotes were too high from $6,000 to 10,000 very expensive for by budget. I made a plan decided to wait until i have kids,then go ahead and do the surgery....waited too long. For the las 2 weeks i feel my implant is harder moved and its in pain it also looks funny.  I decided not to wait and went back to the doctor that performed my first surgery, He did recommend to remove scar tissue, and replace the same implant. My question is..how is it possible to replace the same implant that is giving me trouble????  im schedule for surgery soon..  :(

thank you :)

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The implant is not the primary problem; it is your body's scar tissue reaction to the implant that is causing the encapsulation.  The capsule, or scar tissue that is surrounding your implant is thickened and contracting around the implant.  Removal of this scar tissue or repositioning of the implant may help, but there is no certainty of success.  Some physicians may suggest replacing the implant in addition to repositioning, but that still is not guaranteed to improve your situation.