I Heard That Massaging My Breasts After Breast Implant Surgery Prevents Capsular Contracture, Is This True?
No, that is a myth. Massaging your breasts after breast augmentation with implants is not necessary and I recommend that you don’t do it because it can actually cause more harm than good. In this post, I’m going to explain what capsular contracture is, how it happens, and why you should avoid massaging your breasts after implant surgery.
What Is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a term used when a normal soft capsule (that naturally forms around your breast implant) becomes thicker. Think about it as scar tissue that forms around the implant that causes a firm feel to the breasts.
The degree of thickness will cause a range of symptoms. The thicker the capsule is, the worse the symptoms are. This can include firmness, discomfort, or in more severe cases distortion to the shape of the breast. Firmness (an early stage of capsular contracture) occurs in about 12% of breast implant patients but later stages (pain or change in shape) occurs in only about 6% of patients.
Why Are Some Surgeons Still Recommending Breast Massage After Implant Surgery?
Massaging is still discussed by some surgeons after implant surgery. Historically (I use this term because it’s old school thinking) it was thought that by massaging the breast the pocket would be big if capsular contracture occurred in the later stages a shape change wouldn’t occur. The reality is, it still happened regardless of what you do, and massaging the breast too much can make the pocket so large that the implants fall into the arm pit. Furthermore, excess massaging may increase the risk of capsular contracture by causing micro tears in the soft capsule. This could result in small amounts of blood forming around your implant, which is a potential cause of capsular contracture.
Some surgeons still tell their patients to massage their breasts everyday so if capsular contracture occurs the surgeon is not blamed for it. The reality is capsular contracture is not the surgeons fault nor is it the patients fault. Unfortunately capsular contracture just naturally happens in a small percentage of women.
What Should I Do During Recovery After Breast Augmentation With Implants?
Treat your breasts as you normally would. The way you exercise, sleep, and naturally move around during the day is enough movement for your implants.
Studies have shown that implant texturing and placing breast implants under the muscle (no surgeon places an implant 100% under the muscle anymore) does not affect capsular contracture.
Where Can I Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery?
You can visit our breast augmentation page to learn more about your surgical options. We also regularly post about breast augmentation on the FAQs section of our website.
How Long Is The Wait For Surgery With Dr. Avi Islur?
If you have a preferred surgery date, do not wait until it’s too late! Dr. Avi Islur is one of the busiest and most sought after plastic surgeons across Canada, he runs a very active cosmetic practice. Patients typically book well in advance for consultations and surgery dates.
You can call one of our Patient Coordinators at (204) 885-1419 to reserve your consultation today.
We also share Patient Transformations on Instagram and Facebook, if you have an account, let’s connect! @drislur
