3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Question

I had my first post-op appt today (day 3 from BA) and they took the wraps off, showed me how I'm supposed to be massaging multiple times a day. I was fine when the surgeon did it, but when I got home and tried for myself, I very nearly passed out. The first side was okay, but when I moved on to the other side, which felt harder and more swollen, I just couldn't do it anymore, had to stop and lie down. Is this common? I know it's important, but what if I can't go through with it fully? Any tips?

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Different surgeons shave different approaches. There are surgeins who do not believe in post-op massage. I happen to be one who does. We begin our post-breast augmentation patients with the massage regimen at 1 week out. We have found (just like you) that it is often times very painful in the first 5-7 days. This is more so if the implants are behind the muscle. Good luck

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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. At the beginning, I would let discomfort guide you so you are not fighting pain.

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

You should not massage your breast after only three days.  In the first week the internal pocket is still highly vascular and lots of movement such as moving your arms and massaging will increase the collection of bloody fluid in the breast pocket.  Not to mention that during the first week you breast is still very tender and pushing the implants around hurts like hell.  Blood in the pocket can lead to capsular contracture in the ensuring months to follow.  Its a known fact that blood around the implants increases the risk of capsule contracture.  I frequently used drains to remove the blood in the pocket since many of my patients are Asian and thus more likely to form scar compared to Caucasians.  During the first week I have noticed increased movement with increased bloody drainage coming from the breast pockets.  By the end of week two most of the hypervascularity of the breast tissue has decreased and internal wounds are more healed.  This is the time I start my patients with implant displacement exercises.  Until then you should be very inactive or blood will collect around the breast implants, which may cause unwanted scarring down the road.   There does not seem to be a consensus with Plastic Surgeons on how or when implants should be massaged or even massaged at all. I feel my rational makes logical sense.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Implant massage is definitely important to help maintain a nice, soft capsule but I usually wait until a week or so after surgery before I ask my patients to start massage but every surgeon has variations in their protocol.  If it makes you that uncomfortable, I would definitely hold off and call your surgeon to confirm that they wanted you to start massage this early. Good luck!

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

Breast implant displacement exercises or massage is very important in my opinion to help the implant adjust to your breast and hopefully to prevent capsular contraction.  Next.  However 3 days is very early and if the pain distresses you you should give yourself a rest for a day and then try to institute the massages more gently.  NextIf however the painful breast is swollen and tender you should see her plastic surgeon to make sure that there is no internal bleeding.

3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answers (6)

Answer: 3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answer: 3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answer: Breast implant displacement exercises (BIDE)

Answer: Breast implant displacement exercises (BIDE)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answers (6)

Answer: 3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answer: 3 days post op of Breast Augmentation, I try to massage my breast, but it almost cause me to pass out. Is this common?

Answer: Breast implant displacement exercises (BIDE)

Answer: Breast implant displacement exercises (BIDE)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.