Capsular contracture can occur with different levels of severity. The breasts look and feel natural on the mildest end of that range. With more thickening and hardening of the capsule (the rind of scar tissue around the implant), the breast still looks normal but feels unusually firm. At either of these stages of capsular contracture, surgery is not needed. There’s no discomfort and no change in breast appearance.
Surgery may be necessary only when the condition is more severe. You’ll know this is the case if you notice a change in breast shape from the hardened capsular tissue or if you feel discomfort or pain.