Should I be massaging my breasts after reduction surgery? How tight should my compression bra be?

Thank you for your question.In general, breast massage after reduction surgery is not necessary, and can actually be counterproductive.  After breast reduction, you want the tissues to heal together.  Massaging may slide tissues overtop other tissues and prevent healing (and theoretically contribute to fluid accumulation).  That's why people wear compression bras after surgery -- to "lock things into place" and prevent the shifting and fluid from accumulating.  The compression bra should be "snug".  You should know you have it on, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.Sometimes we do recommend massage after breast reduction, but this is only scar massage to improve scar quality at the skin level, and is started after you have fully healed from your surgery.I would discuss your questions with your surgeon, as they know you and your case the best and can guide you the most appropriately.  Good luck!

I allow my patients to wear a loose bra after the surgery. The bra holds the breasts symmetrically during initial healing. Please see the below instructional video that our office has prepared for patients following breast augmentation and below link to post op instructions#breastreduction#breastreductionpostop

I do not in general use a tight bra after surgery. Most of the time I use a loose sports bra mainly for comfort and to hold the dressings.