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Getting breast implants is a big decision, and proper care after surgery plays a key role in achieving the best results. One important part of post-surgery care is massaging the implants. But, is massaging your breast implants necessary for recovery?
Dr. Elliot Heller, a plastic surgeon at Allure Plastic Surgery, explains, “Massaging is recommended to prevent capsular contracture, which is the hardening of scar tissue. This occurs less than 3% of the time at Allure Plastic Surgery due to our techniques. Gentle massage in the first few weeks can alleviate stiffness and improve recovery, but not massaging will not lead to serious problems.”
For accurate advice and exceptional post-surgery care, reach out to Allure Plastic Surgery online or visit our clinics.
Why Massaging Your Breast Implants Is Recommended?
- Promotes natural movement: Massaging helps the implants settle properly. This allows them to move more naturally within the breast tissue.
- Prevents stiffness: Regular massages reduce the risk of your implants becoming firm or rigid. This ensures they stay soft and natural to the touch.
- Reduces the risk of capsular contracture: Massaging may help prevent scar tissue from hardening around the implants. This reduces discomfort and changes in shape.
- Improves circulation: Gentle massaging encourages blood flow. This helps reduce swelling and supports faster healing.
- Encourages proper implant positioning: By massaging, you help keep the implants in place. This reduces the chances of misalignment or asymmetry.
- Eases recovery discomfort: Regular massage can reduce tightness and discomfort. This is especially helpful during the early recovery weeks.
What Happens If You Don’t Massage Your Breast Implants?
Skipping massages after surgery may increase the probability of capsular contracture. However, this outcome is uncommon, especially with the advanced techniques used at Allure Plastic Surgery.
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue hardens around the implant, making it feel firm and uncomfortable. Massaging regularly helps reduce the chances of this happening by keeping the tissue around the implant flexible.
Without regular massage, there is a chance the implants may feel firmer than expected. This happens because the surrounding tissue isn’t moving as freely as it should. Gentle massage helps the tissue stay soft and comfortable.
Overall, serious complications like capsular contracture are rare, especially if you follow your post-operative care instructions. Dr. Heller explains that skipping massages usually won’t cause any major issues. However, massaging during your recovery can make you feel more comfortable during the healing process.
Tips to Properly Massage Your Breast Implants
- Start after your surgeon’s approval: Wait until your surgeon says it’s safe to begin massaging. This is usually a few weeks after surgery.
- Use gentle pressure: Begin with light, gentle pressure. Gradually increase the pressure as you become more comfortable.
- Circular motion: Use your fingertips to gently massage the area around the implant. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions on the timing and pressure.
- Push and move the implants: Gently move the implants as instructed by your surgeon. This typically involves using soft, upward, downward, and side-to-side motions to promote natural movement.
- Massage daily: Massage daily as directed by your surgeon. Typically, this may be done once or twice a day based on your specific recovery plan.
- Warm up the area: If advised by your surgeon, consider gently warming the area with a warm cloth before massaging to help relax the tissue.
- Follow your surgeon’s advice: Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon. Every patient is different, and your surgeon knows what’s best for your recovery.
Allure Plastic Surgery: Your Trusted Partner in Breast Implant Recovery
At Allure Plastic Surgery, we believe that proper care after surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of your recovery. We provide clear instructions on how to massage your breast implants to ensure a smooth healing process.
Additionally, our expert surgeons use advanced technology and methods to significantly reduce the risk of capsular contracture in our patients. Contact Allure Plastic Surgery today for a personalized consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I forget to massage my breast implants for a few days?
Missing a few days of massage is usually not a big concern, but it’s best to stay consistent to support optimal recovery.
Q: What is the proper technique for massaging breast implants?
The proper technique involves gentle circular motions around the implants and pushing them in different directions to keep the tissue flexible.
Q: How long should I massage my breast implants?
Massaging is usually recommended for the first few weeks after surgery, but your surgeon will give specific instructions based on your recovery.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.
