Breast massage post op, good idea or not?

Question

I’m undergoing a breast lift with augmentation next week and I’m confused. Some say that massaging the breast post op can help prevent capsular contracture while others say it can increase the risk. Can anyone provide better insight? Thanks in advance

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,This is not 'specific to the patient and the doctor' as one respondent said, but this should be about evidence of efficacy, not doctor preference. Imagine if cancer doctors picked and choosed chemotherapy based on whether they liked it or not, and not on whether it was effective! That would be deadly decision making, wouldn't it? Well fortunately, capsular contracture isn't life threatening, but it is the most common complication that leads to reoperation.  So I think it's important to get the word out that you can reduce your risk tenfold by picking the right surgeon, than to rely on post operative implant massage that has been shown to be completely ineffective at preventing or treating capsular contracture. And yes, I've seen it all from overzealous massage: skin irritation, stimulation of lactation, bruising, and even hematoma. So not only is massage not helpful, it can be harmful. Surgeons who adhere to a 14 point plan to minimize implant contamination will reduce your risk from the average of 15% to 1.5%.  No massage necessary. BTW, augmentation mastopexy carries a higher risk of capsular contracture than augmentation alone. Why? Because surgeons don't adhere to strict techniques of placing the implant through an inframammary incision first, then closing the subpectoral pocket before performing the mastopexy. Instead, most put the implant through a very large incision that exposes the breast implant to the opened breast tissue, leading to implant contamination and capsular contracture. Choose your surgeon wisely and no massage necessary.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In most cases, I do not recommend massage after breast augmentation; but plastic surgeons will have different post-op protocols. Recommend that you obtain guidance from your plastic surgeon.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Surgeons have been recommending breast massage after surgery to prevent capsular contracture.  I can think of one study that actually looked at whether it worked and the study showed that it did not make any difference.  Despite this many surgeons continue to recommend massage largely out of habit.  I also have heard that it may increase capsular contracture but there is no evidence of this.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

This is very specific to the patient and to the surgeon.  In some revision cases I don't have the patient massage, but in my primary breast augmentations I have my patients massage.I do not know if it helps, but I don't know of any drawbacks, therefore I recommend it.I would discuss this with your surgeon and see what your surgeon wants you to do and follow their recommendations.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear innerbombshell,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breast massage post op, good idea or not?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Implant Massaging

Answer: Breast Implant Massaging

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Breast massage post op, good idea or not?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Implant Massaging

Answer: Breast Implant Massaging

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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