What causes a breast implant to hurt years after reconstruction?

Several things.: Scar tissue may form around the implant known as "capsular contracture". This can cause pain or discomfort and may require revision surgery. A proper medical evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended.

Depends : It depends on what type of pain but the most common reason is capsular contracture (shrinking of the tissues surrounding the implant). This is much more common in individuals who have had radiation therapy. Treatment varies with implant removal with or withou replacement, capsulotomy, capsulectomy, pocket transition, soft tissue implants, rotation, transfer, grafting or transplantation of tissues.

Usually contractures: Each implant is surrounded by a capsule (scar-like envelope). In some cases, this can become mildly irritated, resulting in a shrinkage of the capsule which places the breast tissues under compression and can be very uncomfortable. If the breasts are firm and tender to touch, see your local surgeon for evaluation and possible replacement. Important if silicone.

Many : There are many different causes of pain that may occur years after breast reconstruction or augmentation. The most common cause may be the development of encapsulation; this refers to abnormal thickening of the breast implant capsule around the breast implant. This process may cause the breast to change shape, the breast implant to change position and/or significant discomfort/pain.