Am I massaging my breasts too hard if I can feel the implants? Is it possible to massage too much?

Question

My doctor instructed I massage my breast. I got over the muscle smooth saline 480cc. I have been doing a needing motion and recently been able to fill my implant. It some times makes a poping feeling. Am I doing it too hard? Can I over massage my breast? The doctor said about 4 times a day for 40sec. Since they are often sore I've beem doing it longer nd more often.

Stephen Bresnick, MD · Answer

I am a firm believer that massaging smooth implants over the muscle reduces, in some patients, tightening and contraction of the tissue around the implant.  I do not advocate pushing the implant down, but repetitions of up and moving the implants together appears to help my patients.   From my experience, and that of other surgeons, smooth implants over the muscle form capsular contracture more often than when beneath the muscle,  Therefore, using prophylactic methods, such as massage, makes sense.   Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gr0wingpains,some plastic surgeons recommend massaging, some don't. 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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD · Answer

Dear GrOwingpains:
      Thank you for your question. It depending on your surgeon"s protocol after surgery. Massaging especially for implants on top of the muscles is not a bad idea. Please talk to your Plastic Surgeon and follow instructions! Good luck and I hope this helps!

Michael J. Yoo, MD · Answer

Protocols for Postoperative breast massages after augmentation vary from surgeon to surgeon.  Some don't recommend them at all and some religiously believe in them.  It's best to discuss with your plastic surgeon.  He or she is the best person to answer your questions.

Boris Mordkovich, MD · Answer

The recommendations when and whether to massage your breast after BA vary amongst plastic surgeons, so the best source is your own PS. Also it is very individual and depends on the level of your pain, swelling etc. Feeling "popping" while massaging is anticipated. General consensus is to "listen to your body" , start on day 5-6 and move slow.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It depending on the surgeon protocol after surgery. Massaging especially for implants on top of the muscles not a bad idea. Please talk to your PS

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I also believe in the benefit of post breast augmentation implant displacement exercises.   The sound that you mentioned is normal and he should be able to remove the implant upward towards the collarbone. Your instructions appear appropriate.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The popping feeling is normal Feeling the implant is not unusual. Just keep doing what you were instructed to do.Talmage Raine

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

I like my patients to gently move the implant side to side . I do not advise patients to push down their implant. This may weaken the fold at the bottom of the breast if excessive. Popping is odd. If it persists, see your surgeon.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your surgery. As far as massage goes, there is no scientifically proven technique that is better than any other. In my experience, simple displacement of a sub glandular implant in all four directions seems to be sufficient. It doesn't have to hurt. As far as a popping feeling, that something would have to be seen in person but I would imagine it has to do with the movement of the implant in the pocket. Hope that's helpful.

Am I massaging my breasts too hard if I can feel the implants? Is it possible to massage too much?

Answers (10)

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