A feared complication soon after breast augmentation is capsular contracture. A number of elements are thought to contribute to the development of capsular contracture. Breast implant massage and displacement is recommended by nearly all plastic surgeons after breast augmentation to decrease the threat of capsular contracture. There is truly small evidence that breast implant massage truly prevents capsular contracture. Regardless of the lack of evidence, a lot of plastic surgeons, including the author, recommend breast implant massage.
Usually breast implant displacement workouts, or massage, is suggested only when smooth surfaced implants are employed. Smooth breast implants are created to move naturally in the implant pocket. A breast implant pocket slightly larger than the implant itself helps to attain a soft, natural feel to the breast. Textured breast implants are developed to “grow in” to the implant capsule. Massage of the breast implant is unnecessary for textured implants. In truth, aggressive massage can disrupt the soft tissue adherence to the implant.
In addition to textured implants, there are other times where breast implant massage can be harmful. Over-aggressive massage can truly displace the implant (typically laterally to the side of the breast), especially when begun too early. Some patients fear implant injury with aggressive massage. This is not probable, unless there is a dilemma with the implant otherwise. Breast implants are extremely resistant to stretch and blunt trauma.
There is controversy whether there is any benefit to massage of submuscular breast implants. In the submuscular position there is in fact a little implant movement all through the course of the day and implant displacement could be superfluous. In the subglandular position, massage may possibly be more valuable for this reason. Likewise, the risk of capsule hardening is greater when the implant is placed submuscularly.
How do I massage my breast implants?
There are no distinct rules to the amount of time that need to be spent performing breast implant massage or the most successful technique. Dr. Yates, the author and a Utah plastic surgeon, has his patient displace the implants in all directions 1-2 times per day for a minute or two. The implant is moved inside the implant pocket, the breast tissue is not displaced over the implant. The patient can do this standing or lying, in or out of a bra. Dr. Yates explains to the patient that the thought of the process is simply to “keep the implant pocket a small bigger than the implant”.