Massaging microtextured implants. Right or wrong? (Photos)

Unfortunately, it does look like your implants are a bit too high in relation to your nipples. It is important to plan appropriately and dissect the pockets for the implants in the apporiate place so that your nipple end up at the point of maximum projection of your newly augmented breasts. With time, your implants will drop down to some extent, but probably not enough. I would not recommend massaging the breasts if you have textured implants. These implants work on the principle of tissue integrating with the textured surface (velcro effect) to reduce incidence of capsular contracture. Massaging the tissue can interfere with this integration. It takes about 6 weeks for a capsule to form around an implant and secure it in place. It is important not to disturb the implant during this period. This is particularly important in an anatomical shaped implant to avoid rotation of the implant.

Hello and thank you for posting photos along with your question. Textured implants are used because they are supposed to have a decreased risk of capsular contracture as compared to smooth implants. The texturing also allows the implant to stay in place once its put there. Smooth implants are usually massaged after surgery to help get them into the appropriate position (mainly going down into the lower pole of the breast.) Its always been my understanding, that with textured implants, massaging is not to be done because massaging can lead to what called a "double capsule." As my colleagues have stated below, you should try and get a hold of your plastic surgeon because maybe in his experience massage has been ok. Usually, if textured implants stay high then surgery is the best way to fix them. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!Ankur Mehta MD

In general, textured implants are not to be massaged. In certain circumstances, this may be totally appropriate. You need guidance from your plastic surgeon.

Textured breast implants that are tear drop should never be massaged because the risks of implant rotation. For round textured breast implants, I prefer to use a breast band but I do prescribe some massaging techniques rarely. Breast bands will move these implants and will also drive the swelling out of the upper pole of the breast out faster. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO 

Thank you for your question and congratulation for your recent operation. Usually it is neither necessary nor beneficial to massage breast implants if they are textured and sub-muscular as well. However every surgeon, in relationship to his/her experience, has a set rules for the post-operative period. I would recommend to follow his advice until you manage to contact him again or at least his practice manager to make sure no misunderstanding arise.All the bestAndrea Marando, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.Manchester, UK

Textured implants are designed to hold their position.  Breast straps and massage will be of little benefit in most cases.  Of course discuss this with your surgeon.  Opinions vary.  Best wishes.

your implants are in the process of settling in their position behind the nipple areola complex. a strap will help an awful lot applying gentle pressure in the right direction. the type of the shell of the implants shouldn't make a huge difference as to whether you should massage them or not

Massaging is completely your surgeon's prerogative. Each surgeon has his/her own protocols. Usually, textured implants would not need any messaging as they are not easily misplaced. It would be best to contact your surgeon directly and follow his post-op instructions as he knows your condition best.

Thank you for your question.  I would check with your plastic surgeon concerning your implants and follow up instructions for massage. Usually textured implants are not massaged.  The texturing tends to keep the implant in position.  Contact your plastic surgeon for additional recommendations. Best wishes.   

I would 100% confirm with your surgeon what type of massage he/she wants you to do. you can massage round textured implants - I wouldn't recommend massaging anatomical textured implants. Your surgeon may be suggesting wearing a strap and massage to aid the descent of the implants but you need to clarify with him/her.