20/10/2026
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a recognised potential complication of breast implant surgery. To understand what happens, it helps to know how the body responds to an implant.
When a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around it, known as a capsule. This is a normal part of the body’s healing response.
Capsular contracture occurs when this capsule becomes excessively tight or thickened, potentially placing pressure on the implant and affecting the surrounding breast tissue.
Depending on its severity, signs may include:
• Increased firmness of the breast
• Changes in breast shape or position
• Visible distortion or asymmetry
• Discomfort, tenderness or pain
In more significant cases, the breast may become noticeably firm and distorted, as demonstrated in this video.
Capsular contracture can vary in severity. Some cases involve subtle changes in firmness, while others may cause more pronounced changes to the breast’s appearance or comfort. The example shown in this reel demonstrates a significant case and is not representative of every person who develops capsular contracture.
It is also important to understand that not everyone with breast implants will develop this complication. It can occur at different times following surgery, and its exact cause is not always clear.
If you have breast implants and notice increasing firmness, a change in breast shape, pain or swelling, arrange an assessment.
Dr Craig Rubinstein | Provider No. 035875KY | M.B.B.S (Melb) | F.R.A.C.S | Member ASPS, ASAPS.
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