Definition:
a hardening of the breasts, caused by the formation of copious amounts of scar tissue around a breast implant. This results in breasts which appear misshapen and misplaced, and can also be a source of significant pain for the patient. The risk of capsular contracture can be minimized by sub-muscular implant placement, self-massage, and/or the use of textured implants.
It is worth noting that although the breasts feel and appear hard, the actual implants remain soft. It is in fact the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implants which contracts and hardens.
Pronunciation: (CAP-soo-luhr cuhn-TRAK-Shur)
Examples: Capsular contracture is the most common risk associated with breast augmentation surgery.
