After a breast implant is placed, fibrous scar tissue forms around it, creating a tissue capsule. The body forms a protective shell like this around any object it recognizes as foreign. The tissue capsule is usually soft or slightly firm, unnoticeable, and helps hold the implant in place. In some women, a tissue capsule forms that is unusually firm and dense. The capsule tightens around and squeezes the implant. This condition, called capsular contracture, can cause chronic pain and distort the shape of the breast, and it can make the breast appear higher on the chest.