Should I massage my gummy bear implants?

Question

I am one week post op with 425 cc gummy bear implants. My doctor wants me to start massaging them, but I heard that gummy bear implants can move, and cause complications if massaged. Should I massage them? Thank you!

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Ultimately, the only person who should be dictating your postoperative instructions and limitations is the surgeon who performs the procedure.  Only he/she knows your background, your specific case, the surgical maneuvers planned and performed, etc.  While we online consultants aim to help as much as possible, it is not appropriately that we be dictating any aspect of the postoperative care for a patient with whom we are not familiar, nor have even met.But, as a rule, I do not recommend massaging shaped, textured implants.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Its too early to talk about final results.In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Trenton C. Jones, MD · Answer

Excellent question. Let me attempt to answer as succinctly as possible.

1. Always follow your surgeon's advice, especially in the post-operative period. You chose your surgeon for a reason. Hopefully the reason was a good one. You trusted him to do your operation. Trust him to care for you afterward.

2. Gummy bear implants are not special or unique compared to all other implants, but simply the latest iteration of breast implants using cohesive silicone gel. They do not need to be treated like visiting royalty, and should be just as durable as any other implant.

3. The fill material of the implant is not important when discussing post-operative management. The surface texture of the implant determines its behavior, not its stuffing.

4. After twenty years experience, I can honestly say I have never seen breast massage make any difference in the potential for capsular formation and contracture, but we all tell our patients to do it. Poking at your breast for five minutes on a Wednesday night will not correct a contracture that has already formed. Protocols for preventing or ameliorating capsular contracture have been described and published. Ask your surgeon if he is aware of these alternative, more effective methods.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank
you for this question. I'm inclined to agree with your doctor, but whenever you
hear something that conflicts with something your plastic surgeon has said,
it's important to raise any concerns you may have with your surgeon, so that
you can feel confident in following your postoperative instructions. Best of
luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Massage is usually not recommended for textured implants.  Best to ask your surgeon what he prefers. Best of luck.

Should I massage my gummy bear implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Massaging Gummy Bear Implants

Answer: Massaging Gummy Bear Implants

Answer: Massage and textured implants

Answer: Massage and textured implants

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Should I massage my gummy bear implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Massaging Gummy Bear Implants

Answer: Massaging Gummy Bear Implants

Answer: Massage and textured implants

Answer: Massage and textured implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.