What are the pros or cons of breast massage after surgery?

Question

After 3 consults, the 3rd Dr. explained that he would have me do breast massages to help the implants drop into position. While this hadn't been discussed at either of my previous consults I did find in the literature that the 2nd Dr. sent me home with that for him, "Breast massage is not recommended" which brings out the question...which is right?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I typically recommend massaging the breast at about 1 week post surgery.  It helps with the settlement of the implant and softening the breast up.  Each surgeon will have their own recommendation for their patients to follow.  I would make sure you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and follow their post operative instructions.  Best of luck to you.

Kevin G. Rose, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has a different protocol for post-op for breast augmentation. The reason I have my patients perform massaging is to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant). My patients are instructed to start massage 1 week after surgery and continue for a period of 3 months. I would recommend discussing this with your plastic surgeon and follow given instructions. Best of luck to you!

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

I do not have my patients perform breast massage after surgery.   I think the utility of massage is controversial.   One recent study looking at risks of capsular contracture actually found that breast massage increased the risk of capsular contracture.   Ultimately I would go with your plastic surgeon's recommendation.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Every surgeon is different..  Breast massage is believed to maintain the implant pocket and decrease the risk of capsule formation around the implant. I have my patients start massaging their breast on day 3 post op and continue for a month. Best,
  
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The incision placement for the breast augmentation would guide my recommendation here, but you should follow the advice of your surgeon. With an IMF incision, I do not recommend massage as early due to the tension placed on the suture line.  There is little evidence to suggest that massage prevents capsular contracture.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You will find surgeons have different opinions on this. For my patients they are instructed in breast massage techniques to soften and relax the breast implant pocket. I have found for my patients who are conscientious about massaging on a daily basis reduce the risk of encapsulation in the future, Find a board certified plastic surgeon you trust and follow his/her instructions. Good luck.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Betty,Thank you for your question. Massage is an older technique that some surgeons believe reduces the rate of capsular contracture. As some of my colleagues have mentioned, there is not a lot of good quality evidence in the scientific literature that it actually produces this effect. In my practice, I usually do not advocate massage unless it is necessary for other reasons, such as coaxing an implant to drop faster.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  RealSelf Top Doctor

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bettybooper30,
some plastic surgeons recommend massage others don't. It is mostly based on their previous experience. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Breast bandage is recommended by many surgeons after implant surgery. The purpose is to hopefully prevent capsular contracture ( hardness from scar tissue). It is debatable if massage does anything at all But it’s  so I recommend my patients massage their breasts beginning around two weeks.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Bettybooper30I appreciate your confusion, however in my experience, massage of the implants within the pocket after breast augmentation significantly maintains soft breasts and decreases chances for capsular contracture. Massaging the implants maintains a generous open pocket and appears to help prevent capsular contraction. My opinion, however nearly 30 years experience performing breast augmentation and my rate of capsular contracture is extremely low when my patients massage. Good luck!

What are the pros or cons of breast massage after surgery?

Answers (15)

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