Implant "Massage"

[Dr. Summers]

Not all surgeons recommend massage of the implant pocket, so check with your surgeon on their recommendation and specific technique. However, for those individuals who wish to perform massage of the implant, the following may be helpful.

First of all, the purpose of massaging the implant pocket is to (theoretically) help reduce the formation of capsular contracture.

To do a good massage, the goal is to squeeze the pocket surrounding the implant so that the implant moves away from your fingers and stretches the pocket. You are not actually massaging the implant, rather your are forcing the implant to stretch the pocket around the implant.

Note: Squeezing the breast tissue or lifting the implant does not do the trick.

The following example shows how the implant should move up as you squeeze your fingers together at the base of the implant:


\ / \ / \O/
\ / --> \O/ --> |
\O/ | |


Using your right hand, position your fingers at the "4:00" position on your breast and position your thumb at the "8:00" position. Then squeeze your fingers and thumb together...you should feel the implant move upwards. Hold this for 20 seconds.

To stretch other parts of the pocket, repeat this manuever by rotating your hand to the "6:00" & "10:00" position and then again to the "2:00" & "7:00" position.

The left breast is treated using the right hand in a mirror image of the above.

I hope this has been helpful...
_________________
Adam N. Summers, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

office: 410-553-9444

http://www.mdcosmetic.com