Describe how the pec muscle relaxes after submuscular implant placement.

Question

I found a lot of information on how long before the muscle relaxes, but what should women look for to determine that the muscle indeed relaxed? I would like a description of the muscle relaxing process and what would it look like? Does it always result in a sloped effect or can some women have their muscles completely relaxed, yet still have very high looking breasts (as if they did not "drop/ fluff" or chest muscle never relaxed)?

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

I think there are two phenomenon that occur with implant/muscle interaction.1. The pectoral muscle is in spasm and thickens and shortens as a response to injury after submuscular augmentation. This takes a few days to settle down.2. After several weeks, the pectoral muscle actually thins and atrophies a bit - this is related to pressure from the implant itself. At this time, the implant is allowed to drift into the full depth of the pocket that was created for it.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, as your swelling resolves and tissue relaxes the implants drop and the breasts soften.  This can take months in many cases.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Ms. Richelledorig,Thank you for your questions.All muscles when stretched or contracted result in pain (example a "Charlie horse").The muscle will take 6-8 weeks to conform/stretch to the dimensions of the implant. I refer to this as "seating" of the implant.I have my patients follow our "5-5-5" protocol.Beginning the day after surgery (as pain tolerates) we begin breast massage to help stretch the muscle by implant displacement and prospectively modulate the capsule to the shape and position that the woman wants her breast to look like.5 minutes a day5 days a week5 x weeksI personally think recovery is more rapid with intraoperative injection of local anesthesia into the muscle and postoperative use of a 3 day constant infusion of local anesthesia via a non narcotic pain pump helps keep the muscle relaxed during the first several days of stretching as it becomes more relaxed.To obtain the desired final appearance of the breasts (every Plastic Surgeon has their own recommendations) Here are mine:1) fist 2-3 days take it easy at home and "ice" the breasts2) begin displacement exercises ("5-5-5" protocol) as pain permits. Breasts immediately look good in bra or bathing suit but need to "seat" to look good in the nude.3) Return to work when you feel you can. Earlier for non required upper body users and longer if your arms are needed. Good judgment prevails.4)first 6 weeks exercise as pain limits5)after 6 weeks exercise without limitations6) 2-3 months for breast implants to "seat"I suggest you make several different consultative appointments with experienced Plastic Surgeons who are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who are ideally members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes, R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Describe how the pec muscle relaxes after submuscular implant placement.

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Describe how the pec muscle relaxes after submuscular implant placement.

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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