When should I start massaging after breast augmentation?

Question

I am supposed to wear the surgical bra for 3 weeks. It seems like some people are told to start massaging as early as 5 days but I'm not starting until a few weeks post-op. When is the best time to start in order to prevent capsular contracture? My ideal/saline implants feel very tight..

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Massage of the implants is determined by the implanting physician.  It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor and see if he/she would recommend massage at this time.  Each physician has their own specific post-op instructions which may be different for each patient depending on the type of surgery done.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

Massage, while not harmful, has never been scientifically shown to lower the incidence of capsular contracture. Every doctor has a different philosophy and may even recommend different massage protocols to different patients because of differences in their tissue characteristics. Follow your surgeon's advice. At this point in your recovery, it is normal for your breast to still be tight.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your surgery!  Though there are differing thoughts on implant displacement exercises I do not recommend them to my patients as they can be painful in the early recovery period, and they have not been shown to be of benefit in preventing capsular contracture.  In most instances I find muscle relaxants and time to be the best treatment for chest tightness.  Hope this helps.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are different opinions and recommendations about implant massage, but no real evidence that it prevents capsular contracture. Follow your surgeon's advice.

Thomas J. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There is not much conclusive data regarding massage, and many surgeons may have differing opinions.  Massage is probably the most useful in relieving some of the soreness associated with submuscular implantation.  Tightness of the muscle after surgery is expected since the implant is stretching it out, and it will take time for that to resolve.  The data in regards massage and capsular contracture prevention are currently inconclusive.

When should I start massaging after breast augmentation?

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