If your breasts feel harder than they used to or don't look quite the same after breast augmentation, you might be dealing with something called capsular contracture. It's a pretty common issue that can happen when scar tissue builds up around the implant, causing it to tighten or harden. It's not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable—and it definitely affects the way your breasts look and feel. At The Aesthetic Center in Darien, CT, Dr. David Passaretti offers expert care for capsular contracture, helping women across Fairfield County feel more at ease in their bodies again.
When it comes to breast implant revision or treating capsular contracture, experience matters. Dr. David Passaretti, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Fairfield County, is known for creating natural-looking results with a personal, hands-on approach. At The Aesthetic Center, he sees every patient as a partner in the process because your goals, comfort, and confidence are what drive the treatment plan.
All procedures, including revision surgery and implant removal or replacement, are performed in a private, fully accredited surgical suite in Darien, CT. You get top-level care in a space that feels calm, discreet, and supportive.
After breast augmentation surgery, your body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around the implant. It's part of the healing process. But sometimes, that scar tissue tightens too much, squeezing the implant and causing changes in breast shape, firmness, or even discomfort.
This is what we call capsular contracture. It can happen with both silicone gel breast implants and saline breast implants, and it can affect one or both breasts. Symptoms might show up months—or even years—after the original surgery.
The right treatment depends on what's going on with your implants and breast tissue, as well as your goals. Dr. Passaretti will walk you through your options during your initial breast revision consultation, but here's a general idea of what the procedure might involve:
In the very early stages, some patients try non-surgical options like medication or ultrasound therapy, but surgery is usually the most effective long-term fix.
Addressing capsular contracture isn't just about improving how your breasts look. It's about feeling comfortable again—whether that means easing tightness, getting rid of pain, or just liking the way you look in your clothes.
Here's what you can expect from treatment:
If you've had breast augmentation surgery and you're experiencing changes such as tightness, shifting, pain, or distortion in breast shape, you may be a good candidate for breast revision surgery. Many women seek treatment for both aesthetic reasons and physical discomfort, and there's no "wrong" reason to want a change.
Ideal candidates are:
Dr. Passaretti will go over all of this during your consultation to make sure you're safe and ready for surgery.
Your consultation is where everything begins. Dr. Passaretti will review your health history, check your current implants, and talk with you about your goals—whether that means keeping the same size and shape or making a change.
You'll get clear steps to prep for surgery, which can include:
Everything is tailored to you—no one-size-fits-all plans here.
The procedure itself is done under general anesthesia and typically lasts between one and three hours. Dr. Passaretti will remove the scar tissue, adjust or replace the implant, and ensure your breasts look balanced and natural. Depending on what you need, it might involve implant removal, a breast lift, or switching to a different breast implant type. All revision surgeries are done at The Aesthetic Center's private, AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, so you don't have to deal with a hospital setting or long check-ins.
You'll likely notice a difference in breast shape and feel right away, especially if tightness or distortion was a big issue. That said, the final results settle over several weeks as the swelling goes down
Here's what most patients can expect:
Your recovery time may vary depending on the procedure, implant size, and how your body heals, but our team will be with you every step of the way.
Dr. Passaretti brings over 20 years of experience to every procedure, and he's earned a reputation across Fairfield County for natural-looking results and truly personalized care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he focuses on the long-term, creating outcomes that look and feel great for years to come.
At The Aesthetic Center, you'll find:
A private, in-house surgical suite
A team that values patient education and transparency
Expertise in breast augmentation, implant removal, and revision surgery
A supportive, welcoming space designed for women like you
Whether your implants were placed for cosmetic reasons or after cancer surgery or breast reconstruction, we're here to help you feel like yourself again.
Fairfield breast reconstruction provider, Dr. Liu is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon with specializations in cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction, and complex reconstruction. He earned his M.D. from Yale Medical School and graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Computer Science and Biochemical Sciences. His professional journey includes extensive research and publications in various domains of plastic surgery. He holds double board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Liu also serves as the Chief of Maxillofacial Surgery at Norwalk Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital, highlighting his expertise in maxillofacial aesthetics and reconstruction. His advanced training includes a hand and microsurgery fellowship at Yale University's Section of Plastic Surgery and a plastic surgery residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he gained comprehensive experience in a range of surgical procedures. Additionally, Dr. Liu completed his general surgery residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where he was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. There, he worked in a Level 1 trauma center and tertiary referral hospital, treating patients across a broad spectrum of surgical specialties.
Yes. It's one of the more common complications after breast augmentation—but it's treatable, and you're definitely not alone.
You can lower your risk with good surgical technique, post-op care, and choosing the right breast implant type, but it can still happen.
Like any plastic surgery, revision comes with risks like infection, bleeding, or changes in sensation—these are rare with an experienced surgeon.
Costs vary depending on the complexity, implant type, and whether you're getting a lift or new implants. We'll break it all down clearly during your consultation.
It's uncommon, but if the revision is for medical necessity reasons and you experience severe pain, visible deformity, or difficulty with mammograms, you might get partial coverage. Check with your insurance company to determine your out-of-network coverage. Cosmetic changes are paid for out of pocket.
If you are considering plastic surgery in Fairfield County or anywhere in Connecticut, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
722 Post Road, Suite 202, Darien, CT 06820