Fundamentals of Capsular Contracture

Formation of a capsule of scar tissue around implants in the body is a normal healing process. However, when that capsule becomes contracted it is one of the most dreaded complications of breast implants. The capsule tightens around the implant causing a decreased surface area, often turning a soft implant into a hard ball. It affects both esthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. In the literature, it ranges anywhere from a 5% to 25% incidence. The presentation as well as the development timeline is just as variable. This chapter will help outline possible etiologies, the impact on the implant itself, diagnosis and grading, as well as prevention and treatment strategies.