Douglas Humphreys, MD

As you can see from the wide variety of answers here, there is no shortage of opinions when it comes to breast massage after augmentation. The breast massage technique — or for that matter, whether massage is involved at all — varies with every patient. The right approach depends on the type of implants you have, how they're placed within your body, and your surgeon's preferences. If you've already scheduled your surgery, ask your doctor to share those details with you during your preoperative visit. 

Each surgery is different and patients recover at varying rates, but I can offer some general guidelines, as I do with my own breast augmentation patients. Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure, and you'll be ready to go home — in the care of a family member or friend — a couple of hours after your surgery is complete. Pain is very manageable, and most patients find that they only need to use prescribed medication for a few days. If you have a relatively sedentary job, you should be able to return to work after about a week. You can gradually resume other activities 2 weeks after surgery. With proper aftercare, scars typically start to fade after about 9 months to a year. However, keep in mind that breast augmentation incisions are generally hidden within the natural contours of the breast — so even before your scars are fully healed, they'll still be rather discreet.

You seem to have a strong idea of the ultimate results you'd like to achieve, which is a good place to start. Your next step, then, is to share that idea of the improvements you'd like to see during an in-person consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon near you. To answer your question directly: Performing multiple procedures in a single surgery is more than possible — it's also quite popular approach for patients such as yourself with some distinct advantages (e.g., lower cost, quicker overall recovery). Regarding your desire for a BBL in addition to tummy and breast procedures, it's generally a good idea to do tummy and breast in one surgery, saving the BBL procedure for later. This is because combining procedures does have limits, and you'll want to give your body time to adequately heal from the breast and midsection surgeries before moving on to the buttocks. 

Thanks for your question. It's difficult to diagnose you based on photos alone, but it is possible that one or both of your implants have rotated, which would account for the "funny shape" you describe. The best way to determine what's going on is to go back to the surgeon who performed your procedure. A thorough physical examination is the best way to determine what has happened — as well as how to correct it. Best of luck to you.

For questions like these, I feel more comfortable deferring to your surgeon's recommendations. He or she knows the details of your case much better than I do. It's also likely that your surgeon has a list of preferred manufacturers and bra styles that are appropriate for your particular surgery. Feel free to call the practice and ask: I think I speak for all doctors when I say that we love it when our patients are proactive!

Your pre- and postoperative photos are helpful. It does appear that your breasts naturally sat close together, and that is probably why they appear to be very close together so soon after breast augmentation. I would expect the appearance to change as the postoperative swelling reduces and the implants begin to settle into place. Of course, if you're concerned, it is always fine to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Questions after the procedure are normal and expected, and asking can help put your mind at ease.

Thank you for posting the photos and expressing your concerns. As others have indicated, your breasts show very minimal tuberous deformity. Breast implants inserted through an inframammary fold incision (i.e., at the base of the breast) should provide you with the desired results, assuming the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with cosmetic breast surgery experience. Good luck with your procedure.

Thank you for the photo and your question. To put it simply, the body doesn't heal symmetrically. The swelling that occurs following breast augmentation isn't always the same for both breasts. After a few days or even a couple of weeks, the healing process can occur at different rates for each breast. The asymmetry will begin to even out as the swelling dissipates and the implants settle. If you remain concerned, don't hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Sleeping on your side after 4 weeks is usually fine, especially if you feel more comfortable and sleep better in that position. Sleeping on your back is important during the first several weeks because you want to avoid unintentionally influencing the position of the newly inserted implants while you sleep. Even once you begin sleeping on your side, you can surround yourself with pillows to help prevent excessive tossing and turning. I recommend checking with your surgeon.

Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications associated with breast augmentation. It can occur at any time after getting breast implants, and it sounds like that might be the reason for your breasts to feel harder and appear slightly distorted. It develops when the scar tissue surrounding the implant begins to tighten and squeeze the implant. Breast augmentation revision surgery is needed to correct the condition. If you do have the condition, you can elect to replace your implants or remove them.