What exactly is capsular contracture regarding breast implants? What is meant by encapsulated?
The body forms a natural barrier to the implant. Most often it is a smooth, thin layer of tissue called a capsule. Sometimes, and more so with a subglandular implant placement, the capsule thickens and distorts the natural look. This is rare but a real complication of the implants. The literature shows a smooth, submuscular implant will decrease your chances of this happening. I am 34 years old and last July I had my first breast augmentation (under the muscle). After the first surgery I had to go back three times (due to capsule problems and my breasts not lining up and a lot of pain). During the fourth surgery I had a non-cancerous cyst removed. I am now again in severe pain and went to see my plastic surgeon who said the implants had moved and turned, and that the lump I am feeling is the valve. I am now having my fifth procedure on both breasts. Why do they move? Implants naturally move in the pocket created for them in the surgery. This is not unusual.
