Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that involves placing breast implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. As with any surgery, it is important to follow proper aftercare guidelines to ensure optimal healing and the longevity of your implants. One aspect of implant aftercare that is often overlooked is breast massage. When should you start massaging implants after surgery? What technique should you use? And how often should you do it? This article provides quick answers to common questions about post-surgery breast massage and offers tips to help keep your new breasts looking and feeling great.
When to Start Massage
Most plastic surgeons recommend starting breast massage 2-3 weeks after surgery. Massaging too early can displace the implant or put pressure on incisions before they have fully closed and healed. Here is a quick timeline for when to begin massage:
| Week 1 | Avoid massage. Focus on rest and recovery. |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | You may start very light massage if approved by your surgeon. |
| Week 3 | Begin regular breast massage 2-3 times per day. |
| Week 4 | Continue regular massage as part of your daily routine. |
Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to start massage based on your individual healing process. Be sure to follow their instructions closely.
Massage Technique
The goal of breast massage after augmentation is to help soften and properly position implant material. This helps prevent capsular contracture, a complication where scar tissue squeezes the implant and makes breasts look and feel firm and abnormal.
Here are some tips for effective post-op breast massage technique:
– Use a gentle circular motion around the breast, starting at the top and working down towards the bottom. Imagine you are gently smoothing out the implant material.
– Use your fingers and palm in a firm but gentle manner. Do not aggressively knead or squeeze tissue.
– Pay extra attention to the outer edges of the breast above and below the incision site.
– Massage any firm or raised areas a little more vigorously to soften them.
– Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions on technique.
– Use a surgical lubricant or scar oil to help hands glide smoothly over skin.
– Take a systematic approach starting from one side of the breast and working all the way around.
Consistency is key for keeping implants soft and in place. Stick to the same massage pattern each time.
Frequency of Massage
Once you begin massage after 2-3 weeks, it should become part of your regular breast care routine. Here are general guidelines on how often to massage your implants:
– Weeks 3-6: Massage for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per day.
– Months 2-6: Massage 5-10 minutes once or twice daily.
– After 6 months: Massage as needed to address specific firm areas.
Some surgeons recommend quick daily massages indefinitely to maintain the position of the implant and prevent capsular contracture. Discuss ongoing massage frequency with your doctor.
Consistent massage is especially important the first 6 months after surgery when capsular contracture is most likely to develop. If it is difficult to remember daily massage, add it to your calendar or set phone alerts.
Massage Tips and Precautions
Here are some additional tips for safe and effective breast massage after augmentation:
– Do massage when skin is dry for smooth gliding motion.
– Sit or stand in a comfortable position with shoulders relaxed.
– Press gently; vigorous kneading can damage delicate tissue.
– Use pain as your guide and avoid any overly sensitive areas.
– Always follow your surgeon’s instructions on recovery limits.
– Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, fever.
– Use light, circular strokes around incisions to minimize visible scarring.
– Ask your surgeon when you can start using lotion – this makes massage easier.
– Avoid excessive massage of breast folds under the implant.
– Stop immediately if massage causes significant discomfort.
– Contact your surgeon with any concerns or changes you notice.
With a gentle touch and consistency, breast massage can help ensure your new implants settle into a beautiful shape and position. Just be sure to get the all-clear from your surgeon before starting.
Massage for Capsular Contracture
If you develop capsular contracture from scar tissue later on, your surgeon may prescribe more vigorous massage. This specialized massage technique requires extra pressure to break up constricting scar tissue.
Key aspects include:
– Deep circular motions with strong finger pressure
– Focus on massaging the perimeter of the hardened area
– Use knuckles or fingertips to target firm spots
– 10-15 minutes of massage 2-3 times per day
– Combined with medicine to soften scar tissue
– Continued until the contracture is resolved
More aggressive massage may be uncomfortable at first. Always check with your doctor on the proper technique and duration for treating capsular contracture. With their guidance, vigorous massage can help reverse this common breast implant complication.
Other Aftercare Tips
While massage is important, it is just one part of proper recovery after breast augmentation. Be sure to follow all of your surgeon’s post-op instructions for optimal results, including:
– Wearing recommended compression garment
– Avoiding strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks
– Sleeping on your back until fully healed
– Following activity restrictions during recovery
– Keeping incision sites clean and dry
– Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain medicine
– Returning for follow-up appointments as directed
– Monitoring for potential complications and reporting any concerns promptly
Closely adhering to all aftercare guidelines ensures your new breasts get off to the best possible start. Consistent, gentle massage helps play a vital role as well.
Conclusion
Massage is an integral part of the breast augmentation recovery process. When performed correctly, it helps position implants, softens breast tissue, and prevents problems like capsular contracture. Begin careful massage about 2-3 weeks post-op and be sure to follow your cosmetic surgeon’s specific instructions. With a bit of patience and proper technique, breast massage can help keep your implants looking fabulous and feeling natural for years to come. Be diligent with daily massage the first 6 months and bring up any breast changes or concerns promptly with your doctor.