Capsular contracture, a hard scar that forms around an implant, is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation surgeries. Performing breast massage exercises during the recovery period can help reduce your risk of capsular contracture and keep your breasts supple and natural-looking, according to Thomas M. Dewire, a cosmetic surgeon based in Virginia. Talk with your surgeon before performing any breast augmentation recovery exercises.
Compression
Compression exercises can help keep your breasts soft and counteract the hardening of scar tissue. Perform compression exercises by gently pushing on your implant in one area. For example, you may press down on the top of your breast or place your hand underneath your breast and push upward.
This motion flattens the implant and causes it to push into other areas of your breast. This stretches the capsule and helps prevent scar tissue from hardening around the implant, explains Richard V. Dowden, an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified cosmetic surgeon based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Medial Displacement
Displacement exercises stretch the capsule around the implant in a specific area. Medial displacement exercises can help enhance your cleavage and create a natural appearance, according to Michael A. Bogdan, a cosmetic surgeon who practices in Texas and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Crossing your arms across your chest, you can grip each breast on the outer side and gently pull them together toward the center of your chest. You should take care to stretch gently, as you do not want to force the implant past the point where your sternum meets your ribs, cautions Bogdan.
Upward Displacement
Upward displacement exercises help stretch the upper portion of the capsule around the implant to combat capsular contracture. Displacing the implant in this manner will also encourage your breast to respond naturally to movement and touch. You should feel minor tightness toward the top of your breast and see the implant slowly spread to the upper portion when you perform this exercise.
To displace the implant upward, hold your hand flat with your fingers pressed together. Press the edge of your pinky below the fold beneath your breast to hold the skin taut and rotate your palm toward the lower portion of your breast to gradually push it down and force the implant to roll upward.
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