We all know that sticking to a regular exercise regimen is important to keep our muscles strong and joints flexible, but did you know that there is a regular upkeep routine for your breast implants after breast augmentation? Breast implants become part of your body the moment surgery has been completed, and therefore it is important to treat them with the same self-care as the rest of your body. Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery has compiled a breast implant maintenance list to help you keep your breasts healthy and in optimal shape.
Keep up on Massage Exercises
Dr. Rankin recommends that his breast augmentation patients gently massage their breasts each day, starting one week after the surgery. Perform these massages daily, or as often as possible, for the first three months after surgery. This will help to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant and hardening it) and help maintain the contour and position of your new breasts. A light massaging of each breast — gently pushing the implant up, down, right and left inside the breast pocket — for up to 20 minutes a day is recommended during this period.
Find the Right Support
Implants add weight to your breasts, and therefore require greater support than before. Therefore, once you’re fully healed from surgery, you should go bra shopping for a bra that gives your larger, weightier breasts support that will prevent them from too much bounce or droop—both of which may contribute to breast sag over time. A good regular bra as well as a good sports bra is important, and both should be snug without cutting into the ribcage or putting strain on the shoulders or back. Often, a bra with wider shoulder straps and full cups that cover the entire breast are good choices.
Get Regular Mammograms
Routine mammograms are important for all woman — those with breast implants and those without. And the recommendations for regular breast screenings are the same for both groups: women age 40 and older should have a yearly mammogram. And from ages 50 to 74, women should have a mammogram every two years. Younger women, ages 20 to 39, should get a clinical breast exam every three years to check their breast health. Keeping up-to-date on breast exams, whatever your age, can mean early detection of breast cancer and other breast conditions that, if left unchecked, could be fatal.
Be Alert to Problems
Deflated or ruptured implants, implant hardening (a sign of capsular contracture) and changes to the size or position of the implant are all things to look out for. These complications can occur right after surgery or years later, and depend on many factors. Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the breast implant, making it hard and uncomfortable, can often be corrected without surgery, but may also require a capsulectomy (a surgery that removes the scar tissue around the implant). Ruptured or deflated implants, caused by severe blows or trauma to the chest, will need to be removed and replaced with new implants. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Call Dr. Rankin to Find Out More
Whether you’re just considering having breast implants or you’ve already had breast augmentation surgery and are enjoying your new curves, Dr. David Rankin is the go-to for breast surgery information, both pre- and post-operative. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation or to learn more about the procedure, contact Dr. Rankin at Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling (561) 776-2830.