Robinson et al. also noted that the probability of rupture increases as the implant ages and recommended removal of all gel-filled implants preferably before 8 years of implantation. A silicone gel-filled implant may rupture but stay contained within the fibrous capsule the body has made around the implant. Silicone gel which escapes the fibrotic capsule surrounding the implant may migrate away from the breast. The free silicone may cause lumps called granulomas to form in the breast or other tissues where the silicone has migrated, such as the chest wall, armpit, arm or abdomen. Some studies indicate that silicone may escape the capsule in 10-20 percent of rupture cases.
Capsular contracture is a tightening of scar tissue around the implant.
This can sometimes cause pain, hardening of the breast, or changes in breast appearance. Although it seems to occur to some extent in most women with breast implants, there are no reliable data on how often this happens. If these changes are severe, more surgery may be needed to correct or remove the implants. Calcium deposits may form in surrounding tissue, and may cause pain and hardening of the scar tissue. In some cases, these deposits may need to be surgically removed.