My Doctor Told Me Not to Massage my Subglandular Implants. Is He Right or Should I Massage Them?

Breast implants are available in both smooth and textured surfaces.  For my patients, I recommend massage for all patients with smooth implants, whether under or over the muscle.  This is because massage really does help reduce capsular contracture risk, especially early after surgery when the body is healing the pocket and tends to tighten around the implants.   If a patient has textured implants, many surgeons do not recommend massage.  I often still recommend massage with textured implants, especially when a patient wishes to have more movement and softness to the breast.  It is important to discuss the massage concept with your doctor and the advantages or disadvantages in your case.

The bottom line is that you should do what your operating surgeon recommends.  There is no good evidence to support the idea that implant massage prevents capsular contracture.  Your surgeon must have a good reason to tell you not to massage.  If you have any doubts, ask them for their reasoning.

Warmest Regards,

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)

Personally I instruct my patients not to massage as well. We have a very low rate of capsular contractures in our practice and I do not want to increase the chance of implant displacement by massaging. This specifically applies to submuscular placement however. Likewise, your plastic surgeon undoubtably has specific reasons for his protocol.  I am sure he would be happy to explain these with you. Ask him!

Best of luck.