Will Massaging my Breast Implants Help to Soften Them?

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. You can repeat this several times a day for the first several months.

Please talk to your surgeon before you begin massaging your breasts. They gave you advice that is specific to your situation, so it would be prudent to follow it. Also, you should know that it takes about 3-4 months for your breasts to settle and appear more natural in contour. Until this time, they may look abnormally high, flattened and firmer.

I favor the use of implant message techniques to help keep the pocket  bit more open.  Also is serves a form of a breast self exam.  I have my patients do these exercises for the life of the implant.  I start these exercises around 10-14 days after the procedure.  I think that even a month after the procedure would be helpful. Re-discuss this with your PS.

Dr. ES