What is the proper technique for breast massage after breast explant?

Question

How long and how many times a day should you do the massage? How many months should you continue? Is it pretty standard to do massage? When should you not do massage? I had BE 8 days ago, after having implants in for 5 months and had a very simple removal, did not remover capsules.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Swanny,If you have a simple explantation, with no re-implantation, then there is no reason for you to do massage.  If no capsulectomy was performed then usually drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation in the capsule.  I usually recommend compression to the area to also help prevent fluid from accumulating.Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I assume that you had removal AND replacement with new implants.  If you only had BE (explantation, or removal) even if the capsules were left in, then the issue of massage does not even arise.  In general, I prefer to remove at least part of the capsule if I am doing an implant exchange, depending on many factors (including the thickness of the skin, placement of the implants, etc).Even if you have new implants, though, the issue of massage is at least a little controversial.  Most of the data supporting massage - and even that is not universally agreed-upon - stems from the time when implants were typically placed above the muscle and it was considered important to try to move them around within a larger pocket to prevent capsular contracture.  How effective that was is not crystal- clear.With implants under the muscle though, and assuming that the pocket is not left overly large (if so, the implant may move around TOO much), the implant is actually moved slightly - massaged, basically - each time you move your arms.  So the specific requirement that the implant be directly massaged makes less sense.  And if you have a shaped or textured implant - which, notoriously, "stick" exactly where placed and would be almost impossible to move, even slightly, - the indication for massage is that much less clear.That being said, you should speak with your plastic surgeon regarding the specifics of post-operative care from all standpoints, and certainly including this one.I hope that this helps, and good luck,Dr. ERealSelf100

What is the proper technique for breast massage after breast explant?

Answers (2)

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