Before and After Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Photos

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Photos of Breast Implant Capsules

The top left photo shows an implant removed with the capsule still around it. The top right photo is similar, with a portion of the implant protruding out of the capsule. The bottom left photo shows how the capsule looks almost like a "pocket" formed by the body to contain the implant. The bottom right photo shows another capsule that has been removed.

NOTE: The capsule is the living tissue lining that normally forms around every breast implant. In some women, for reasons that are incompletely understood, the capsule has a tendency to shrink, which we refer to as capsular contracture. The more it shrinks the more it compresses the implant, making the breast feel hard. The implant itself does not get hard no matter how firm the breast may feel -- it is the way that the implant interacts with the body that causes capsular contracture. Capsular contracture does not cause implants to rupture because pressure is being evenly exerted on all sides of the implant. Under these conditions the implant will take the shape which has the least surface area, a round sphere, like a ball or globe. Not all capsules look as thick as the ones in these photos; some are as thin and filmy as gossamer. It is because of the fact that these capsules were thick that allowed these representative photos to be taken. See next set of photos for more details.

Photos courtesy of Edward Pechter, M.D., Valencia, California

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Please note that "cup" sizes are approximate.

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Last Updated: 02/25/08 10:56 PM