Capsular Contracture

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast implant surgery (breast augmentation or reconstruction).

When a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around it. This scar tissue is called a capsule and is completely normal.

Capsular contracture happens when that capsule hardens around the implant, squeezing it. This can cause:

  • Breast firmness or hardness

  • Changes in breast shape

  • Breast pain or discomfort

  • Implant displacement

  • Visible distortion

Who gets capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture can happen to anyone with breast implants, but risk varies.

It is seen in:

  • Women with cosmetic breast augmentation

  • Patients who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy

  • Both saline and silicone implant recipients

Higher risk groups may include:

  • Patients who develop infection after surgery

  • Those with bleeding (hematoma) after surgery

  • Individuals who have had radiation therapy

  • People who have had previous implant revisions

  • Smokers (impaired healing)

It can occur weeks, months, or even years after surgery.

How is capsular contracture managed?

Treatment depends on severity.

Mild Cases (Grade I–II)

  • Observation

  • Massage (if recommended by surgeon)

Moderate to Severe Cases (Grade III–IV)

Surgery is often required:

  • Capsulectomy – removal of the scar capsule

  • Capsulotomy – releasing or scoring the capsule

  • Implant replacement or removal

  • Changing implant position (e.g., subglandular to submuscular)

In recurrent cases, surgeons may:

  • Use acellular dermal matrix (ADM)

  • Consider removing implants permanently