What is a capsule?

When a breast implant is placed in the body, it attempts to wall it off forming a capsule around the implant. This capsule can be present within a week after surgery and is eventually present in all breasts containing implants. The end result look of a breast containing implants is due to:
  -the implant itself
  -the patient's breast tissue- skin, gland, fat,
  -nipple position on the chest wall
  -chest wall muscle and rib cage shape
  -the capsule formed around the implant.

The capsule can be of variable thickness and have different properties from patient to patient and even right breast vs. left breast. Thicker capsules or those that contain muscle cells can contract misshaping the breast and in some cases also cause pain - capsule contracture. It is not known exactly why some capsules become more problematic cosmetically speaking than others. It is thought that blood around the implant at the time of surgery or low grade infection early or late after surgery in is the culprit. Some capsules cause problems early after surgery and some take years to transform into a problematic capsule. In all cases of problematic capsules the naturally round contour of the breast is flattened in one or more areas including the upper portions of the breast. This can also occur if a breast implant breaks or ruptures.