Normal for a Gel Breast Implants to Feel Hard in the Cold?

Question

It's been three weeks since my memory gel breast implants. Is it normal for my breasts to still feel firm and tight when it's cold? It feels really hard when I am cold. Is that normal? When will they soften to a more natural feel? I've been massaging them to make them feel softer so they would settle in better.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The impant does not have a blood supply and it will remain cooler than your body. In circumstances where your breast is exposed, you may appreciate the temperature difference. However, it generally does not change viscosity within a few degrees of your body temperature. This may prompt your muscle to contract and create the sensation of tightness that you feel. With time, it will soften but the temperature variation may still be appreciable.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I generally don't recommend ice for breast patients as the implant is so far from the skin surface it does little good nor is it helpful after the point of maximum swelling, after the first 3 days.Discuss this with your surgeon and follow his directions!#iceaftersurgery#breastaugmentation#BA

William Loutfy, MD · Answer

Your sensation is normal at this early post operative timeframe. It takes several weeks to months for the tissues to soften and accomodate to the implant, especially implants below the muscle. In addition, you may be experiencing muscle spasms-which can be made worse in the cold. It is less likely that you are developing internal scar tissues, called capsulare contracture.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Initially after surgery, breast implants can feel firm until the skin anf soft tissues around them stretch to accomodate the implants. Be patient it will happen.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Ivory,
EVERYTHING contracts/shrinks in the cold, except water of course.  Your skin, muscle and breast tissues overlying your implant may also shrink in response to cold.  This phenomenon would cause an increased firmness.  Also, assuming that your implants are under the muscle, your pectoral muscle may not be used to the implants and stretching they have caused.  This sometimes causes muscle tightening or even spasm, which could be intensified by the cold.  If this is the case, the response of the muscle to the cold should lessen over time.  Also, your skin will relax and stretch over the implant over time (usually 6 months or so) and will therefore feel less tight and firm, even in response to cold exposure.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.
  With almost all of our patients in New York City, the breasts feel normal right after breast implants, which means soft.  I don't really know what to suggest.  Unfortunately, breasts that start out hard tend to remain hard.

Normal for a Gel Breast Implants to Feel Hard in the Cold?

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