When, How, and Why to Massage for Hard Breast Implants

Nearly 300,000 women in the United States have gone through breast augmentation surgery each year, and it has been in the top position of cosmetic surgery procedures since 2006. Even though the procedure is so popular, many women still have questions about the post-op process when it comes to massages for hard breast implants to improve the healing process. 

In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the need for getting an implant massage, the reasons it's often recommended, and the proper techniques for performing it. 

Why Massages for High Breast Implants are Important?

Breast implant massages intend to mitigate the risk of capsular contracture. However, there is full-proof evidence whether there is a need to massage your implants after breast augmentation surgery. Ask 10 plastic surgeons, see what they recommend and you likely get different answers to your query. This is because there is no proof that massages for high breast implants can work to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, and too much massage may increase the risk of bleeding (hematoma).

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that normally forms around the breast implant tightens and puts pressure on the implant. With capsular contracture, the signs may vary according to the "grade" or the level of severity of the contracture. Here's a list of a few symptoms that you must observe:

●     Breasts feel too firm or hard

●     Nipples may look misshapen

●     Breasts are tender or painful

●     The breast may look overly round or misshapen

What Happens If You Don’t Massage Your Breast Implants?

Just in case, you don't massages for high breast implants as recommended, there are some chances that you may face potential risks such as capsular contracture. Regular massage helps keep the implants soft, maintain their natural position, and promote better healing. However, not all implants require massage, so you must follow the instructions and advice offered by the surgeon based on your specific implant type and surgical procedure. 

When is Breast Implant Massage Recommended

The decision to perform massage for a high breast implant should be based on the suggestions of a plastic surgeon. Many surgeons recommend massaging smooth-shelled implants after surgery to help maintain the implant pocket and prevent tightness. 

Textured-shelled implants are meant to allow fine tissue ingrowth into the shell, which reduces the hazard of capsular contracture. Therefore, many surgeons will no longer have patients to do massages for high breast implants after the placement of textured implants.

Further, some breast shapes may benefit from gently pushing the implants downward while wearing a breast strap to help them settle properly. However, this can cause the implants to drop much lower. In other situations, it may be better to go without a bra and move around naturally, allowing small movements of the implants to help them settle into place on their own.

How to Massage Implants After Breast Augmentation?

After breast augmentation, massages for hard breast implants can play a key role in promoting healing and ensuring the best results. While the process may feel uncomfortable initially, following the right technique can help prevent complications like tightness or uneven settling.

●     Press Down and Up: Place one hand over each breast. Then gently press down and lift it upward. 

●     Push Toward the Center: Push each breast toward the middle of the chest. Hold for a moment, then you should gently pull the breasts outward. 

●     Squeeze Gently:  Now, it's time to place an open hand on each side of the breast and gently squeeze. Do the same with the other breast. 

●     Use your Arm to Compress: With one hand, grab your opposite shoulder. Then use your arm to gently press down on the breast and repeat the same with the other one. 

Conclusion 

While massages for high breast implants are often recommended to help prevent complications such as capsular contracture. It's important to follow your surgeon's recommendations designed for your specific situation. Not all implants require massage, and different implant types may need different approaches for optimal results.

Furthermore, if you have any doubts regarding “how do I know my breast implants have a problem?”, then you can consider choosing Aspenaftersurgery!