How soon after breast augmentation surgery can I raise my arms up over my head?

I encourage the women to begin raising their arms over their heads as soon as they get home. They need to brush their teeth, comb their hair, etc. Full stretching 48 hours after surgery. The best exercises I have found are "arm creeping up the wall”. The lady stands sideways to the wall with her arm outstretched----90 degrees to her body. She then scratches the wall with her fingers moving up the wall, above her head. As the fingers move up the wall, the lady moves closer and closer to the wall. Eventually, the outstretched arm is fully straightened over her head and against the wall, parallel and touching the wall. This stretches the chest muscles on that side. I ask the lady to hold that position for 30 seconds. Reverse the same exercise for the other arm. It is often easier in the shower where the water temperature is warmer. I have them do that exercise daily, three times a day until the next visit in the office. Many times the women are unable to get their arm straight over their head for many days. It usally takes less than 72 hours for the arms to be able to fully stretch above the head. I tell them not to distress about it if it takes longer. By the end of 10 days, every one is able to fully extend their arm over their head. 


Does having implants mean limits to any activities?

There are no limitations to activities except for the first 3-4 weeks after the surgery. It does take a while for the healing to occur. But, by the end of the 4th week, the women are able to do almost everything. 


What is a "Breast Compression Clamp" and how is it used?

I do not use a breast compression clamp. Its use is to lessen the opportunity for capsular contracture. I prefer breast massage. 


After augmentation, will my own breast tissue change size?

The breast tissue does not change in size. What happens is that the skin envelope is put on stretch. The breast tissue appears to be "squeezed” between the stretched skin and the breast implant. 


After augmentation with Silicone gel implants, how often does the FDA advise an M.R.I. to check for failure?

To my best understanding, routine breast examinations, and mammograms is the standard of care, yet the FDA recommends that women with silicone implants get an MRI at year 3, 5, 7, 9 etc every 2 years to check whether they have failed. The FDA specified MRI is recommended, rather than mammograms, because the mammograms are not sensitive enough and do not find leaks, whereas the MRI can. Should there be a question, then an MRI is indicated.