How May Times a Day Are You Supposed to Massage Your Breasts After Augmentation, and for How Long Each Time?

Great question and look at all the differing opinions, makes for an interactive venue. I'm more realistic as to implant massage or exercising. What do I mean? Well if you don't do them and get a capsular contracture or fibrosis, than you will be one of those - 'what if' patients. You know, what if I had done the massages would I be with this issue? Whether there is true science behind the concept of massaging or not, it seems to me after 34 years of implanting it is better to do than not. As for when - I start from 1 week following and recommend for 3 months. Just my way of practicing. Enjoyed this discussion. 

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. Each session typically lasts about two to three minutes. The implant is displaced superiorly, inferiorly, medially and laterally. This is done for at least one year following surgery.Variations in implant position, type of implant, and patient anatomy make every patient unique. For these reasons, implant massage isn't indicated for every breast augmentation patient. Before proceeding with implant massage, discuss this issue thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. He will teach you the proper technique for implant displacement and monitor your progress.

Thank you for your question.If you find that your breast is tight and particularly if you went up a few cup sizes, then breast massage will help your implants settle. I typically recommend waiting a week as it sooner may be too uncomfortable. However, if you can tolerate it earlier, then you can do so. I also recommend lymphatic massage as this helps to reduce swelling much faster in the breast.As far as how to massage, I recommend displacing the implant in all four directions (up, down, left and right). Example, pinch the breast on the top to displace the implant downwards. For the lymphatic massage, it is much more of a light gentle touch. We often recommend a massage therapist to help with this or we show patients how to do this at home.  I generally recommend doing this a few times a day.