Does massaging breasts make them sore initially?

Question

Hi I am 15 days post op and had my 2 week follow up yesterday. Dr wants me to begin massaging 3x/day. Since doing so, my breasts are more sore and tight! They also feel warm to touch. Is this Norma when patients start massaging?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery.Massaging your breasts three times today is a very important instruction given by surgeons to their patients after they achieve a certain level off recovery. This maneuver helps the best placement of the implants in the breasts. Soreness, tightness, pain within reasonable limits are anticipated with massaging during the first stages of the healing process. New line I recommend you give communicating with your surgeon and the best of luck to you.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I would speak to your surgeon about tender, warm breasts after surgery, massage or not.  Tender, warm and red can mean an infected implant.  Get seen.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You will find a lot of debate on this topic for breast augmentation and massaging/implant displacement exercises, but there has not been any literature to support the use of implant massage.  I do not have patients perform massage as they can still be tender and sore from surgery and I feel this only worsens their symptoms.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my opinion massage is not a good thing to do after breast augmentation. The area of surgery is healing and should be left alone not traumatized by maneuvering the implant in breast tissue. The massage could certainly explain additional soreness.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although some soreness is quite normal after breast massage, given your symptoms and concerns, best to let your plastic surgeon know ( and preferably see you).  Best wishes.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, thanks for posting your question. It is clear that your surgeon prefers patients to massage, so I would follow his/her exact directions. Best to follow up with them about the symptoms you are experiecing. I wish you the best. -Dr. Coan

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

I don't advise my patients to massage their breasts after breast surgery.  I do believe that is what may be causing the swelling and discomfort.

Does massaging breasts make them sore initially?

Answers (7)

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