How long does it take a capsule to fully form around an implant?

The manner in which a capsule, the lining that forms around the each breast implant, differs from one breast to the other.  Capsular contracture occurs when that lining hardens and creates too much scar tissue.  The capsules begin to form soon after surgery.  Despite extensive research, the cause of capsular contracture remains unknown and only occurs 3% of the time or so.
Capsular contracture can occur in even the most careful surgeon's practice.  The most important thing in this consideration is to find a plastic surgeon who does hundreds of breast augmentations and revisions who is very sophisticated in the approach to treating capsular contracture SHOULD it occur.

Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Every breast implantable formal capsule, the question is whether or not a contracture forms as well.  A regular capsule forms within the first few weeks, a contracture generally takes at least several monthsBest of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

When a patient receives implants, a capsule will form around each implant. However, in some cases, this capsule will harden causing a deformed breast that may need to be surgically revised if medications do not work. Please seek a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.Regards,

Your question indicates a common confusion for breast augmentation patients.  Your body recognizes that the breast implant is a foreign body inside you and forms a wall around the implant to encase the implant.  This wall is called a capsule and everyone who has a breast implant will form one.  Most capsules remain very soft making the breast and the implant very natural in their feel.  However, in 3-5% of cases, the wall the body forms around the implant will be firmer than desired, sometimes even to the point that the firmness is painful.  This is called a "capsular contracture".  To date, no one knows exactly why capsular contractures occur and why some patients get them and others never do.  A great deal of time and research has been devoted to understanding contractures but still there is no technique or treatment that can prevent their occurrence.  The most important thing is discuss with your plastic surgeon capsular contractures and your risks.  Also discuss the implant warranties for capsular contracture with your doctor prior to your surgery.  Being fully informed about your risks and possible treatments will help you determine if breast augmentation is right for you.  Best of luck.

Hello, Capsule is body's normal response to implants and it forms around all breast implants . Formation of capsule completely takes 3-6 months. Normal capsule is just a thin membrane does not cause any problem and is a protective layer that keeps silicon gel in place in case of any leak. Capsular contracture is a condition when capsule gets unusually thick . Then it becomes a problem -causing deformity , hardness and pain. You dont have to do anything from your side to reduce the chances of capsular contracture. All the prexcautions are taken by plastic surgeons during the surgery.