What is the capsule around an implant?
The term capsule refers to the thin strong scar-tissue layer that the body naturally builds around any foreign material. Every implanted medical device, such as implants, pacemakers, hip joints, heart valves, clips and sutures, becomes surrounded by this layer of scar tissue. In the case of an implant, the capsule helps to hold the implant in position, and protects it against injury. Sometimes though it can tighten, making the implant feel firmer than desired, or even hard. If an implant breaks or leaks, the capsule prevents the silicone from escaping. A minute quantity of molecules of silicone can pass through the capsule regardless of whether the implant is intact or has failed, termed gel bleed.
