How Soon Should I Start Massaging After a Breast Augmentation?

Implants sitting high immediately after surgery is not uncommon. Of course, much of what you would be experiencing only 2 days after surgery is swelling, and this can at times be quite alarming.If you have significant concerns regarding potentially high riding implants and/or swelling then it is imperative you raise these issues with your surgeon immediately. They will know precisely what is normal for you and advise accordingly.However, as a general guideline, it would NOT be recommended to commence downward breast implant massage so soon after surgery. For starters, it would be far too painful to even consider doing this. Most importantly, the wounds are far to fresh and "immature" to be subject to any excessive pressure beyond that which the implants themselves cause. I inform all my patients that surgical wounds need to be shown the appropriate "respect" to allow them to heal properly. Of course, the very concept of breast "massaging" is highly debatable.As a general rule, once the breasts have fully softened and settled (3-6 months post-op), I do not recommend any formal breast massaging.However, I do believe it provides a vital part in the recovery process.Of course, "massaging" has several aspects to it and all patients in my clinic are provided the following general guidelines:- Firstly, all patients are advised to "massage/moisturise" the breast skin commencing prior to surgery and continuing for 3 months after surgery.- At 1 week post-op we advise all our patients to commence massaging down the cleavage line to help reduce the swelling and start to define the new cleavage. - At the three week post-op stage you are then instructed on how to commence massaging your breasts. This might vary slightly between patients depending on how they are sitting. This is designed to help soften and settle your breasts. - Also at the 3 week stage we advise all our patients to commence massaging the scar/incision which helps soften it release any tethering. Does long-term ongoing massaging reduce the future risk of capsular contracture? The answer is "probably not".However it does play a vital role in the initial softening and settling of the breasts and reminds patients that their new breasts are not "fragile" and that they can be handled normally.

Hello there, this is a great question. As long as it is comfortable, you can begin some light massages to the implant which will keep them soft and will not cause any damage. Your plastic surgeons should be able to teach you appropriate techniques following your augmentation.

Depending on the reason, breast massage after an augmentation can begin after 7 to 14 days. This can help settle the implant into the pocket faster and keep the capsule pliable. Discuss with your surgeon before you start!