Do Mentor memory gel, SMOOTH, round implants need to be massaged?

Question

I'm getting my breast augmentation in Australia using Mentor memory gel smooth, round implants. They are being placed under the muscle in the inframammary fold. I asked my surgeon if I would be shown how to massage them during one of our consults and he told me that massage is not required these days with these new implants. Is this correct?? I thought it was very important to massage them in order to help prevent capsular contracture?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Although massage may be necessary for silicone gel implants, it’s more commonly done when saline implants are used. No matter which implant if used, I have patients do a massage when the pectoral muscle is pressing the implant high on the chest after surgery.  This massage is not rubbing but gently pulling up the skin at the top of each breast. This action pushes the implant downward, which helps keep the bottom of the pocket around the implant open. We’re relying on Newton’s third law of motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction – although he probably did not have this in mind. In time, when the skin stretches and the muscles relax, there will be space for the implants to move into. For more information on this and similar topics, I
recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A
Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your questions. Under the right conditions, massaging is not likely required. In my practice, where larger implants are used. I find that massaging is useful for smooth round breast implants. I never recommend massaging for shaped devices. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Massage of breasts after breast surgery is not a universally accepted or agreed-upon  principle. Each plastic surgeon may have his/her opinion that is based on their specific/unique education, experience, and personal preferences. Their opinions may also be shaped by unfavorable results they have encountered in their practices.

Therefore, once a patient has selected her plastic surgeon, best to follow his/her advise/instructions, as opposed to those of online consultants. Your plastic surgeon knows exactly what procedure was performed, how he/she obtains the best outcomes possible, how you are progressing, and is ultimately responsible for your care. Best wishes.

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

Surgeons have varying opinions based upon their own experience; there is no data I know of to guide this decision I would simply trust your surgeon's post-operative protocol - if she/he and their patients are pleased with their results utilizing whatever protocol they use, then it works!

Michael L. Workman, MD (retired) · Answer

Every doctor has different opinions in regards to massage, just be sure that you are using a doctor that is board certified in plastic surgery.  I recommend that all my patients massage their breasts after a breast augmentation with any type of implant.  Massage is helpful in preventing capsular contracture and breaks up scar tissue but is not required.

Do Mentor memory gel, SMOOTH, round implants need to be massaged?

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Answer: Do I need to do implant massage?

Answer: Do I need to do implant massage?

Answer: Massage with Implants

Answer: Massage with Implants

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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

Do Mentor memory gel, SMOOTH, round implants need to be massaged?

Answers (7)

Answer: Do I need to do implant massage?

Answer: Do I need to do implant massage?

Answer: Massage with Implants

Answer: Massage with Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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