capsular contracture

noun

: contracture involving a capsule or capsule-shaped structure

specifically : shrinking and tightening of the mass of scar tissue around a breast implant that occurs especially with some silicone implants and may result in pain and in unnatural firmness and distortion of the breast

Examples of capsular contracture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Complication insurance will cover costs related to the removal of the breast implant if a capsular contracture is diagnosed within that first year and a half (and operated on within two years) but is yet unable to cover a revisional surgery. —Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024

Back then, the technique was associated with high rates of capsular contracture and implant visibility. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

capsular contracture

noun

: contracture involving a capsule or capsule-shaped structure

It is important, however, not to ignore the presence of osteophytes or capsular contractures since simply removing the loose bodies does not help patients with these diagnoses.

—Champ L. Baker, Jr. and Grant L. Jones, The American Journal of Sports Medicine

specifically : shrinking and tightening of the mass of scar tissue around a breast implant that occurs especially with some silicone implants and may result in pain and in unnatural firmness and distortion of the breast

As we now know, within two to four years of receiving a silicone implant, nearly 70 percent of patients suffer capsular contracture, a hardening of the scar tissue around the implant, which squeezes the implant into a hard disk.

—Ms.