What is capsular contracture and what can be done about it?

Capsular contracture is scar tissue that forms around breast implants after augmentation. The cause of contracture is actually quite controversial and is debated among plastic surgeons. The most commonly accepted theory is that capsular contracture form as a result of a low grade infection with bacteria around the implant. The source of the bacteria may be from the time of surgery, but but may also come from the gland tissue of the breast which is normally contaminated with bacteria. What happens then is the body responds to this by forming extra scar tissue which can cause an implant to contract and even harden, potentially becoming painful. If this happens, it would require removal of the capsule and most likely the implant as well, and potentially replacement. Sometimes it involves shifting the implant under the muscle. If it was previously placed on top of the muscle.