Post Breast Augmentation massage. Why do some surgeons recommend and some don't?

Implants settle, shape, and soften about 1% a day. Although not a medical term, this process is called, "drop and fluff'. So at 3months or 90 days they have settled about 80%. The total process is about 9 to 12 months. The longer you wait, the better your breast will fit in clothes. 8 weeks is about the earliest. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for the question. There is not a right or wrong answer, or scientific evidence that one approach is better than the other. You should trust your surgeon's post-operative approach. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Dear SammiJean,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Each of us have different post-operative treatment plans for our breast augmentation patients. Many of us still believe that some massage of the breast implant can play a role in keeping the capsule (scar tissue that forms around the implant) soft as it forms after surgery.

It is difficult to decide why one surgeon prescribes post augmentation breast massages while other do not!!
I believe in massaging the breasts to allow the capsules (scar tissue that forms around all breast implants) to stay thin and not contract or become tight. You may consider that most plastic surgeons prescribe massages to facial scars especially on pediatric patients.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Whether to massage or not depends upon what kind of implant was used and where it was placed. Every surgeon has his/her opinion about massage based on training and experience. Personally, I use only smooth round implants and mostly behind the muscle, and do have my patients massage in a specific manner.