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Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery-SanFrancisco Bay Area|Marin County

Why is Massage Necessary After Breast Augmentation?

September 29th, 2012 Miguel A. Delgado Jr, MD

After breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Delgado has his patient begin breast massage exercises. This may be uncomfortable for a few days but is a very important step to soften and relax the breast implant pocket. Being vigilant with the massaging will greatly help in the prevention of a possible capsular contracture from forming around the implant which would prevent it from moving freely. 

The body’s natural response to a foreign body (in this case the breast implant) is to form a lining around it by your own living tissue. This is referred to as the “capsule”. For some Marin County women, the capsule may tighten and squeeze the breast implant making it feel hard. Capsular contracture can happen at any time for anyone but seems more common after the first few months of surgery.

The degree of contracture is graded on what is called the Baker Grading system. Baker Grade 1 is where the breast is normally soft and looks natural. Everyone is at least Grade 1 as everyone has a capsule form. If it starts shrinking/contracting, the implant will feel more firm going from a grade 2 to grade 4, grade 4 being the most severe, causing pain and distortion.

The cause of capsular contracture is still not clear. It is believed that infection, hematoma or a seroma may put a woman at greater risk. Some women may develop a capsular contracture for no known reason.

Studies have shown that massaging seems to reduce the likelihood of forming a capsular contracture. Dr. Delgado will give detailed instructions on how to do this at the first post operative appointment usually three days after surgery. The exercises are to be done hourly for three months and then daily.

With Facelift Surgery, the TCA Peel is the Icing on the Cake!

September 16th, 2012 Miguel A. Delgado Jr, MD

Before and After Facelift Surgery without TCA Peel

 

Before and After Facelift Surgery with TCA Peel

 

Face lift surgery is an exciting improvement for San Francisco Bay Area patients for facial rejuvenation, turning the clock back many years. Surgery improves the jowls, loose neck skin, eyelids, a heavy brow, etc. but does not change the skin.

The TCA (trichloroacetic) Acid Peel is a medium to strong chemical peel and an excellent addition to facelift surgery that is applied while the patient is asleep. The peel promotes skin smoothness, vitality, improves superficial discoloration and eliminates fine wrinkles. It is a wonderful treatment for sun damaged skin, but not all patients are candidates and will require an evaluation by Dr. Delgado.

Sonoma County patients noticed for the first few days their face felt like it was sunburned, but not uncomfortable. In 3 to 4 days, the skin turns dark and in 3 to 7 days starts peeling. It is very important to follow specific directions given prior to surgery for post operative skin care to get the optimal results.