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Capsular Contracture
When breast implants are implanted into the body, the body forms a
lining around it. This lining, or capsule, is formed by the body's
living tissue. Many people refer to this lining as the "capsule",
"tissue capsule", or "scar capsule", although it is not exactly the
same as scar tissue. This is the body's natural response. It is
normal, and to be expected.
Capsular contracture, which is the most common complication of
breast augmentation surgery, can happen at any time, but seems to be
more common in the first several months after surgery. At the time
of the initial surgery, a pocket is made for the implant. During the
healing process, a capsule forms, which is comprised of fibrous
tissue. The body is genetically programmed to shrink scar tissue
over a period of time. Under normal conditions, the pocket remains
open, thus allowing the implant to look and feel natural. However,
in some cases, the capsule will tighten, and squeeze the implant.
This makes the breast implant feel hard, and distorts the appearance
of the breast. In the later stages, the implant feels very firm, and
may take on a “ball-like” look. It's important to remember that it's
not the implant that has hardened. The shrinking of the capsule
compresses the implant, and causes it to feel firm/hard, but once
the implant is removed, it's just as soft as it was the day it was
inserted.
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