What does hardening of breast implants mean?

Usually: Capsular contracture or scar tissue squeezing the implant.

Scar tissue: Hardening of breast implants is a condition called capsular contracture.The body forms scar tissue around the implants, it tightens and makes the implant feel hard and sometimes painful. Your surgeon can discuss possible options to correct this.

Encapsulation: This usually occurs when the scar tissue around the breast implants (capsule) thickens and/or calcifies. This abnormal thickening can cause the breasts to feel firm and may be associated with pain and/or breast implant distortion or displacement.

Capsular contracture: Capsule is the scar the develops after placement of breast implant as a body response, the scar can thicken and harden resulting in tightening , hardening and breast deformity. It can be prevented by early breast massage known as breast exercises after placement. Homeopathic milk thistle can be used and has been shown to soften the scar. Other medications under direction of md can be used as well.

Many possible causes: It may be caused by a variety of different reasons that will vary by timing after surgery. Soon after surgery could mean a hematoma or seroma or muscle spasm. Delayed causes likely relate to capsular contracture or possible inflammation.