Breast Augmentation: Q&A
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How Do You Massage Breasts After Breast Augmentation?
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60 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
zzg
in Shanghai,China
+12
Breast massage after implant augmentation
It is not so much that you massage the breast. The real intention is to perform breast implant displacement excercises to maintain the implant pocket that was created during surgery to maintain a soft and supple breast appearance.
The implant is generally pushed/massaged up, down, inwards and outwards to keep the capsule from contracting down around the implant. It is also fetl that this may lessen the potential for capsular contracture. Generally, these are performed more aggressively...
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+6
Massage is the wrong term--Implant movement exercises help keep the surgical pocket bigger than the implant.
As seen in the replies, some plastic surgeons feel that breast "massage" is not necessary, but most experienced breast surgeons feel that implant movement exercises help to keep the submuscular pocket created to enclose the implant larger than the implant, reducing the likelihood of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is tightening of the scar capsule around the implant, making the breast(s) feel firm.
BTW, this answer assumes smooth implants (saline or silicone), since...
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+5
Massaging the breasts after breast augmentation surgery
I do not think that there is a Universal agreement on whether to massage the breasts after breast implant surgery or not.
There are surgeons who recommended massaging after breast augmentation regardless of what kind of implant was placed. There also surgeons who recommended massaging only silicone implants. And finally, there is a group of surgeons who do not routinely recommend massaging at all.
I would suggest following instructions of your plastic surgeon.
My...
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+5
I don't think massaging breasts does any good.
Hi! I think surgical areas heal best at rest. We put patients in an elastic brassiere right after surgery, and tell them to keep their arms quiet and to sleep on their back for at least a week.
The results of breast augmentation are determined by how the surgery is done. If the breasts don't look right, massage is not going to fix that. If you are going to get a capsular contracture (2 to 5 % risk), massage is not going to prevent that.
Massage may not do any harm, but I object to it...
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+4
To Massage or Not to Massage; That is the Question
Many of the other responders have mentioned that breast massaging is a controversial subject. I see no controversy; it is a total waste of your time. Breast massaging was invented back in the early 1960s when we knew very little about capsular contractions, their ideology, and their possible treatments. When I was at Stanford, I did a casual survey of women who massage their breasts and women who didn’t have the time to massage their breasts. I found that...
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Honolulu Plastic Surgeon
+4
Massaging after breast augmentation
While it is good to do extensive massage after subglandular breast augmentation, if you implants are under the muscle then you do'nt want to massage them vigerously. too much massage can make your breast impant displace, and for you to develope breast asymmetry.
+4
Breast implant massage
The idea behind breast implant massage is not to massage the skin but to push the implant in all directions to displace it. This way the space in which the implant sits doesn't become tight (or at least we think that this massage prevents it from tightening up). Capsular contracture is when the pocket becomes too tight and it squeezes the implant, compressing it from it's normal shape into a ball, and it can become painful. When this happens, you may need...
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+3
Massage after breast implant surgery (VIDEO)
Massage, or implant displacement, after breast augmentation is controversial. I ask patients to do it for the first 6-8 weeks after surgery starting at 3 weeks. See below for a VIDEO demonstration. The idea is to move the implant in a manner that keeps the pocket a little larger than the implant to prevent capsular contracture.
This is contraindicated for textured implants.
This may be redundant for submuscular implants (the implants...
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+3
Massage is a misnomer
You have to ask yourself what is trying to be accomplished by a massage instruction. If you are truly massaging the breast like you would knead dough, this may or may not have any appreciable effect on the breast implant and its capsule. Often doctors will tell to to massage the breast to give you something to do while the healing process runs its course. Sometimes massage instructions are meant to try to influence the size or shape of the pocket, something that is hard to imagine unless you...
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+2
Should I massage my breasts after breast implant surgery? Ask Dr Ellen
Hello zzg,
I'm a big advocate for massaging the breasts, starting on post op day 1. I instruct my patients before the surgery and begin the massaging when I see them in the office the day after the surgery. I recommend 3x per day and here is why:
1. helps reduce the swelling
2. helps reduce the muscle and skin tightness
3. helps maintain the "pocket " dimensions, reduce scar tissue in pocket
3. helps expand the lower pole of the breast...
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+2
How Do You Massage Breasts After Breast Augmentation?
There is confusion about massage versus implant displacement. They are different processes with different purposes. Here is the break down:
Massage is moderate pressure circular motion rubbing of your breasts and stroking motions towards your armpits aimed at speeding resolution of swelling. Also, it helps with resolution of any weird nerve sensations (tingling, electrical sensations) and hypersensitivity. This is most useful in the first 4-6 weeks and can be performed...
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+2
Massage after augmentation
I do not personally recommend massaging the breasts after augmentation--there is a risk that the scar capsule will rupture if it is performed too vigorously, and this can cause the body to create more scar tissue in response to the injury.
+2
How do you massage breasts after breast augmentation?
Massage therapy after breast augmentation can help reduce firmness and capsular contracture. I usually have my patients at 3 weeks post-operatively start massaging by placing the hands on the outer aspect of the breasts and pressing the implants towards the midline and holding this for 20 seconds. I usually have them do this several times a day.
+2
Massaging the breasts after breast augmentation surgery
After I perform Biplanar Augmentation Mammoplasty I instruct the patient in the recovery room to begin moving the implant superiorly towards the clavicle and hold for a few seconds then inferiorly for a few seconds followed by lateral and medial. This keeps them soft and keeps the pockets open. This exercise is done twice an hour every day for the first six weeks. I also have them raise their arms above their heads the night after surgery and they do not wear a bra for six weeks.
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+2
Massaging your implants
Massaging your breast implants consists of just moving that implant around inside so that the capsule that eventually forms is slightly larger than your implant and so the breasts can feel soft and natural. You should gently move the implants up, down, and side to side using your hands to apply gentle pressure around the breasts. You should consult your doctor before you do and ask for their advice on whether massaging is right for you.
+2
Massages following breast augmentation
One of the nice things about putting implants under the chest muscle is that the chest muscle, as it loosens up, will do your massages for you as you go about your daily routine. It is constantly sliding over the implants and massaging them. I rarely see capsular contractures (thick scar formation around the implants that can make the breast firm or distort the way it looks) since I started putting implants under the muscle many years ago.
With implants above the...
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+2
Displacement not Massaging!!!
Breast implants should be moved around within the "pocket"...this involves a series of stretching exercises that commonly push the implant down as well as towards the middle (sternum). Like any stretching exercises, the implants should be sequentially held in position for a short period of time and released, repeated 10 to 15 times and done at least three times per day. These movements help mold the pockets and create the roundness that most patients seek and should be...
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+2
To massage or not...
As you have seen, there are many opinions on the importance, or lack of regarding massaging implants after augmentation surgery. And I believe everyone is in agreement that textured implants should not be massaged.
That being said, no one really has any objective proof that supports their "opinion". Since displacing the implant upwards and inwards does no harm, I'm a believer in "massage". And all I have to support my opinion are the excellent...
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+2
How do you do breast massage exercised after implant surgery?
I personally advise my patients to do the massages because I believe it reduces the risk of encapsulation. The pocket created for the implant should be made larger than the implant so the implant can move naturally on the chest wall. Natural breasts are moveable, as opposed to fixed to the chest pointing forward regardless of the patient's position..
Consider that if a pocket for the implant were made but the implant not inserted into the pocket. The body would heal and the pocket...
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+2
Massage for breast implants
I recommend massage techniques after breast augmentation. The idea behind breast implant massage is not to massage the skin but to push the implant in all directions to displace it. This way the space in which the implant sits doesn't become tight. My patients displace the implants in a circular motion 2-3 times per day. I usually instruct them to start doing this at their first post operative appointment.
+2
Massage following breast augmentation...
In general I recommend my patients start breast massage at three to five days post-op. A printed instruction sheet that explains in detail the massage technique is given to the patient. Three times daily the patient presses the breast (implant) upward counting to ten and the inward counting to ten with each breast. This is recommended for the first year following breast augmentation to help with keeping the implant “pocket” soft and open resulting in a natural looking breast(s)....
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+2
Massaging after a breast augmentation
The technique I recommend to my patients is to push both breasts to sternum and hold for 5-10 seconds. Then, slowly relax to original position. Do this direction 5 times. Now lift each breast up to your collar bone and hold for 5-10 seconds and relax. Repeat 5 times. I recommend the massage hourly for three months then daily after that time. This is just my personal preference. Consult your doctor to see what technique they recommend. Good Luck!
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2
No consensus about implant massage
Opinions about the importance (and technique) of implant massage are highly variable, because there are no clinical studies documenting that it actually does anything to prevent capsular contracture. I recommend it only for cases where the tissues are tight or the implants need some help settling for that same reason. In this case, it would only be for the first few weeks. If your surgeon has recommended it, you should get advice from him or her on exactly what they want you to do.
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+2
Massage is meant to maintain the pocket
ZZG,
Implant massage is a relatively individualized thing. Some surgeons recommend it and some don't. The purpose of implant manipulation is to maintain the size of the pocket that houses the implant and theoretically keep the implant soft. A discussion with your surgeon will provide you with specific instruction on how to perform the maneuver. Good luck!
+1
Massage after breast augmentation
Thank you for your question. There is no agreement about massage after breast augmentation. While some plastic surgeons feel that massage is important, and have every woman do it, others do not recommend it.
There has never been a definitive study that shows that breast massage is essential. There have been suggestions that massage keeps the breasts soft and prevents capsular contractures. However, this has never been proven. I only advocate breast massage for women who are having...
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+1
Breast implant
"Massage" refers to the "displacement exercises" that you need to do postoperatively. This is VERY important. You push the implant in different directions in order to stretch the pocket that it is in. This helps avoid tightening around the implant (capsular contracture) by making sure the pocket stays larger than the implant. You push the implant in a given direction and hold the position for a ten count (think about how you stretch your...
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+1
Breast Augmentation Massage
It is important to try to keep the implant pocket from tightening around the implant, which is the reason for massaging. It is much better to have your surgeon, or their assigned staff, instruct you in person on how to appropriately perform the massages, and I encourage you to do so. Best wishes!
+1
What is proper technique for breast massage after surgery?
First off, breast massage after surgery is anecdotal. There is no evidence to prove it helps or hurts post operatively. I do encourage my patients to begin breast massage after 4 weeks out. For my patients I teach them to squeeze the implant from its base until you can see it rise toward the collar bone. Pushing them together and down also helps. Performing this in the shower for about 30 seconds per side each day is recommended.
+1
Before Proceeding with Implant Massage, Discuss this with Your Surgeon; He/She will Teach You Proper Technique & Monitor You
Not every plastic surgeon recommends implant massage following breast augmentation, but the vast majority of surgeons believe it’s extremely important. Implant massage is also known as implant displacement and is designed to stretch the implant pocket to avoid the development of capsular contracture.
Implant massage is started one week following surgery and is typically performed approximately three times per day. The implant is displaced superiorly, inferiorly, medially, and laterally....
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+1
Should I Massage the Breasts After Breast Augmentation
Many patients ask about breast massage post augmentation. Technically, the manuevers recommended after breast augmentation are not truly massaging exercises but are meant to maintain a proper pocket and softness to the breast. There is no clear evidence that this works to prevent any problems and in fact can actually cause a hemotama (blood sack) or more swelling when performed too early or too vigorously.
Having said that, I subscribe to a quick recovery method of breast...
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+1
Masssage or displacement exercises after breast implants
We recommend displacement exercises for six weeks after surgery, followed by the more traditional kneading type of massage on an ongoing basis. This helps first to keep the pocket open as rapid healing is occurring, then to lessen the risk of contracture as time goes on.
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Breast "massage" after augmentation
Breast "massage" is more of displacement exercises of the implant. The theory behind which is to move the implant around the pocket created by your surgeon in order to keep the implant within the breast pocket soft and supple. I typically recommend displacement of the implant, beginning a few weeks after you procedure, downwards, medially, and laterally. Depending on the position of the implant as it settles determines the aggressiveness in that direction....
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Method of Breast Implant "Massage"
In order to keep the breasts as soft and natural as possible, it is important to "massage" the implants starting about 10 days after the procedure. This is done by firmly squeezing the bottom of the breast so that the implant momentarily bulges upwards; when the squeeze is released, the implant falls back into the normal lower position. Three squeezes right in a row on each breast, held for ten seconds for a total of thirty seconds a day, should do the trick. Woman often incorporate...
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+1
Implant massage
There are many opinions surrounding the need and manner with which patients should massage implants following breast augmentation. In my practice, I tend to make the pocket larger than the implant to allow it to move more naturally, and I want that pocket to remain loose and large. This maneuver also helps with preventing capsular contracture as it keeps the pocket from getting too tight.
I always personally review the implant motion exercises with my patients, and so despite...
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+1
Massaging implants after a BAM
I have every patient do breast massage after augmentation starting at about 7 days after their surgery. Most patients are very sore after surgery and are resistant to the massage. I have them concentrate on doing the massage especially lateral to medial and top to bottom. Most implants are going to stretch the pocket laterally due to the curve of the chest and the implant under the muscle. I feel that when patients are given a complex set of maneuvers to do it is...
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+1
Breast Massage
Your surgeon and/or nurse will demonstrate how to massage the breasts post breast augmentation procedure. This typically consists of pushing the implant up, down, and side to side, and is typically recommended a few weeks after surgery. Massaging is designed to maintain the implant pocket created during surgery, maintain a softer appearance, and help minimize post surgical bleeding and pain.
+1
Displacement Exercises Post Breast Augmentation
The answer to this question depends on the goal. If you are performing displacement exercises to prevent capsular contracture, classically patients are encouraged to push towards the midline and upwards. The theory is that performing this regularly, especially in the 1st year after your surgery, will help prevent a hard capsule from forming around your implant. As far as I am aware, there is no good evidence to support this. Nonetheless, many plastic surgeons do...
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+1
Breast massage after augmentation
I am not certain that breast massage or displacement exercises are all that important. But gentle pushing of the implants up, down, and side to side doesn't hurt either. I do not routinely tell my patients to do these exercises, but I have a lot of patients as about it. If they want to do the exercises, I tell them to start doing so when the get up in the morning starting after 2-3 weeks when the chest wall is not sore any more. Almost all of my implants are placed in the subpectoral...
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+1
Massage Methods
My patients are instructed to institute a "massage" regimen 4 weeks following the augmentation procedure. I call these displacement exercises which is a more accurate description of what takes place. The patient cups the breasts simultaneously and exerts gentle upward and inward pressure for a count of 3 which is then relaxed and repeated 10 times. The whole exercise is completed in less than a minute. I suggest patients incorporate the exercise into a daily routine...
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+1
Breast massage
The point of breast massage is to move the implant around in all directions within the breast pocket. Not all surgeons believe it makes a difference but I do have all of my augmentation patients perform massage beginning a week after surgery. I believe this breaks up any scar tissue that is forming and will allow for a more natural result. I hope this helps.
Kindest regards,
Neil J Zemmel
+1
Massaging Your Breasts After Breast Augmentation
It is important that you ask your plastic surgeon for instructions after surgery.
I normally recommend starting after 3 weeks, and to massage the breasts pretty firmly. Massage in all directions - from below, above, and also toward midline.
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Breast implant movement after surgery can optimize your result
In my practice, I recommend breast implant movement, done 6 to 8 times per day for one year, starting a week after surgery. This has resulted in excellent surgical outcomes following breast augmentation surgery for my patients for the last twenty years. Breat implant movement is a simple process that takes less than thirty seconds per side. The implant, not the overlying breast tissue, is pushed toward the midline of the chest, the midline of the neck and...
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+1
The term "massage" after BA may not be accurate
While I don't recommend massage, I do recommend the patient not keep their arms to their sides. Gentle stretching is helpful in not only preventing a general stiffness but it does promote healthy bloodflow and has benefits in minimizing capsular contracture.
Tampa Plastic Surgeon
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Breast massage after breast augmentation
I recommend starting massage a couple days after surgery and try to move the implants around in all directions. Using two hands seems to work best, kind of like you are kneeding dough.
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How to massage breasts after augmentation
Every surgeon has a different opinion about the efficacy of massaging after breast augmentation; ask your surgeon for specific instructions about post-operative care. For most patients I breast massage which is more of sustained pressure in each of 4 directions so that the pocket remains slightly larger than the implant. I have them do this exercise whenever they are in the shower—if they link it to a daily activity they will not forget to do it.
For patients who have tight muscles...
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Massage after breast augmentation.
Hello. Every surgeon is different when it comes to post breast augmentation massages. It depends on their preference as well as the placement of the implant. When consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon ask what their protocol is for massages post surgery. Best of luck.
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Does breast massage really work?
Other surgeons have adequately described the concept of breast massage after breast augmentation surgery. The real question is: Does it work? No one really has the answer as I am aware of no good study that hows that massaging your breasts after implant surgery reduces the risk of capsular contracture. I DO know surgeons who will blame the patient for their contractures stating that they didn't massage enough which is absurd. Technically, when your implants are under...
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+1
Another approach
I recommend a technique that does not displace the implant, because I don’t usually want to move it, because I have placed it where I want it.
Rather, I have my Breast Augmentation patients compress the breast with a flat hand straight back against the chest for a count of 5, several times a day, starting after the first 3 to 5 days. This just stretches the early capsule and keeps the breast soft. There is no attempt to push the implant down etc, unless that is what is...
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Breast Implant Massage Protocol to Prevent Capsular Contracture
IMPLANT MASSAGE PROTOCOL
I recommend the following protocol:
1. Push and hold implant for 10 seconds in the downward direction. Make sure you are displacing the implant so that it is pushing out and stretching the tissue in the desired location.
2. Push and hold implant for 10 seconds in the upward direction.
3. Push and hold implant for 10 seconds in the middle/medial direction.
4. Push and hold implant for 10 seconds in the lateral/side...
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Implant massaging after breast augmentation
Implant massaging is a important adjunct to getting a great result after breast augmentation, especially when the implants are under the muscle as I routinely do. Initially the implants appear high, firm, and tight. I usually begin massages at the third day after the surgery. The patient "presses" the breast in the upper pole and displaces or pushes the implant downward and holds that for 5 seconds to stretch the lower pole skin. Afterwards, the patient then...
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+1
Don't massage if you have anatomical silicon gel implants!
After correct pocket dissection the implants should stay where they are. They should NOT move. Especially with anatomical implants! I advise a sports bra for at least 4 weeks, and no sportingfor 6 weeks. After that the implants are fixed.
As you have seen many american docters advise you to massage because they use SALINE filled implants, since these are harder to the touch then silicone gel they prefer some movement and thus a larger pocket.
So first of all check what implants...
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+1
Breast Massage afrter Augmentation
I rarely prescribe breast massage after augmentation unless there is a specific problem that needs to be addressed such as mild repositioning or early tendency toward tightening. I am not convinced there is evidence to support this prevents scar capsule contracture. All massage should be physician directed and I have the patients demonstrate to me how they are doing it to be sure they are not too aggressive.
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Breast Implant Exercises are very specific
I do recommend performing breast implant displacement exercises for my patients who have submuscular smooth implants and have videos on my website detailing the technique. I do not recommend such an aggressive massage for textured implants (these implants are designed to stay in place, and in breasts augmented with textured implants, the exercises are really just a massage rather than a displacement technique.) True implant exercises are a medical therapy, so only perform the particular...
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+1
Massage daily and make sure you move the implant
Massage is a very important part of the post op treatment of Breast Augmentation. Usually 7-10 days post op, your doctor should show you how to do the massage. You want to make sure the muscle is relaxed, so you should always use your opposite hand. If you are massaging the left breast, let your left arm hang to your side. With your right hand, cup the breast and move the implant to the sides, and up and down in a back and forth motion. Do massage both sides.
It should be done every day in...
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There is no one way
Breast implant massage is intended to keep the pockets a little larger than the implant so as to kep them soft and hopefully minimize the risk of capsular contracture. The massage routine needs to be set by your doctor because it can vary from patient to patient.
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Massage after breast augmentation
Hello,
The first question is whether massage is needed after breast augmentation. I do not have any of my patients massage as I do not see any reason for it. If the pocket is created properly then massage to displace the implant in some way is not needed. If the procedure was performed properly then the risk of capsule contrature has been minimized and breast massage will neither increase or decrease the incidence of it occuring. In short, I do not personally see...
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Breast implant displacement exercises
If usually recommend to patients to perform breast implant displacement exercises a few days after surgery. It is meant to keep the pocket open so that the implant moves freely in the pocket.
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Massage - based on individual needs
There are many ways and many opinions on how or if to massage an impalnt following surgery. There are no absolutes in plastic surgery. There are 15 ways to do everything. Individualization is the key to success. I personally believe that massage is beneficial. Your plastic surgeon will advise you based upon your individual needs.
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Massage after breast augmentation
There is a lot of talk about massage vs. no massage. I would strongly urge you to talk with your surgeon to see what his protocol is. If he thinks it would be good for you, he will teach you the proper technique.
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Breast "massage" after breast augmentation is a waste of time.
There is no reason at all to massage breasts after augmentation. It does nothing to decrease capsular contracture. If it feels good, that may be a reason for massage, but there is no therapeutic value--period.
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These are awesome tips!