"Aggressive" Massaging After Breast Lift/augmentation

Question

It has been 2 1/2 months since my lift/implants and my right side is still not dropping much. My Dr. told me to get aggressive with massaging... I bought a small rolling pin to help with the pushing down. Just wondering what is "aggressive"? how many times a day and how quickly can a implant drop, is it over weeks or within days? Also,if I have to have another surgery to "pull" the implant it down, when is that decided?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is important to remember that a slow steady stretch is more effective than a quick jerky movement. Don't worry about injuring the implant, you cannot cause a rupture with these breast exercises.Press the breasts slowly and maximally inwards (towards your breast bone) and hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 4 times.Press the breasts apart slowly and maximally outwards and hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 4 times.Repeat for downward movement.Repeat for upward movement.Perform these exercise 2 times per day after your breast augmentation procedure.It takes three to four months for your breasts to drop after surgery, so you still have a bit to go. I would wait until then to determine if corrective surgery is required. Best of luck!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Since you have had the procedure I would recommend that you follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations.  Most  likely he/she has recommended massage of the breast implants  which is felt by many plastic surgeons to be helpful in keeping the breast implant soft.  if you have questions about the  specific technique  your plastic surgeon recommends then address those with him/her during your next visit. Otherwise, I'm afraid you will be confused or overly anxious with online consultants' recommendations.

	Best wishes.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would discuss the level of agressiveness with your surgeon. However, it can take up to 6-9 months prior to deciding on the timing of breast revision surgery.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

It's best to get your surgeon to answer your questions. "Aggressive" massage can mean something entirely different according to each surgeon. Avoid following the advice of a surgeon who isn't more informed about your situation.

"Aggressive" Massaging After Breast Lift/augmentation

Answers (7)

Answer: BREAST MASSAGE VIDEO

Answer: BREAST MASSAGE VIDEO

Answer: Better to ask your surgeon as they would be able to define "aggressive"

Answer: Better to ask your surgeon as they would be able to define "aggressive"

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

"Aggressive" Massaging After Breast Lift/augmentation

Answers (7)

Answer: BREAST MASSAGE VIDEO

Answer: BREAST MASSAGE VIDEO

Answer: Better to ask your surgeon as they would be able to define "aggressive"

Answer: Better to ask your surgeon as they would be able to define "aggressive"

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.