Breast implant massage is a standard recommendation for many individuals following a breast augmentation procedure. This self-care practice is intended to be a proactive part of the post-operative recovery regimen to help achieve the desired aesthetic result. While the exact technique and schedule are customized by the surgeon, understanding the general guidelines is helpful for patients preparing for or recovering from surgery. The following guidance provides an overview of the purpose, timing, technique, and precautions for correctly massaging breast implants.
The Purpose of Post-Surgical Implant Massage
The primary medical purpose for performing regular implant massage is to help reduce the risk of a condition called capsular contracture. When any foreign object, such as a breast implant, is placed in the body, the immune system naturally responds by forming a thin layer of scar tissue around it, known as a capsule. This capsule is normal, but sometimes the collagen fibers within it can tighten and shrink over time, which squeezes the implant. This tightening and hardening of the capsule is capsular contracture, which can lead to a breast feeling firm, painful, or distorted in shape.
Massaging the implant within the pocket helps to keep the scar tissue pliable, preventing it from becoming overly rigid. By manually displacing the implant in various directions, the surrounding pocket is stretched, ensuring it remains slightly larger than the implant itself. This practice also assists the implant in settling into a more natural, lower position on the chest, a process sometimes called “dropping and fluffing”.
When and How to Begin
The exact time to start a massage routine is determined by the healing progress of the surgical incisions and the specific instructions provided by the surgeon. Most surgeons advise beginning the massage routine sometime between a few days and three weeks after the operation. Starting too early, particularly before the incisions are fully closed, risks reopening the wound and increasing the chance of infection. The critical factor is waiting for medical clearance, as the timing depends on the individual’s healing rate and the type of surgery performed.
Before beginning, finding a comfortable and stable position is important, with many people choosing to lie flat on their back to ensure the chest muscles are relaxed. It is also helpful to have clean hands and to ensure nothing is between the hands and the breast, which means removing any bra or clothing. Some surgeons suggest using a non-irritating lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin, but this should only be done with explicit permission.
Detailed Instructions for Implant Massage
The core of the massage technique involves systematically displacing the implant in four distinct directions to stretch the entire tissue pocket. It is important to work on one breast at a time, using both hands to cup and manipulate the implant. The pressure applied should be firm enough to move the implant within the pocket but should never cause severe pain or discomfort. Each directional movement should be repeated multiple times in a session to ensure the entire pocket is mobilized and stretched.
The four primary movements are:
- Inferior displacement: Place the hands on the upper portion of the breast, near the collarbone, and apply steady pressure to force the implant downward towards the abdomen, holding it in this position for several seconds.
- Superior displacement: Cup the breast from underneath, near the fold, and push the implant upward toward the chest wall and collarbone. Holding the implant in the upper-most position helps to stretch the lower part of the capsule.
- Medial displacement: Push the implant inward toward the center of the chest, creating a slight cleavage. This is often achieved by crossing the arms to use the opposite hand on the breast.
- Lateral displacement: Push the implant outward toward the armpit.
Routine Maintenance and Important Precautions
Consistency is a significant aspect of the post-operative massage routine, particularly during the initial healing phase when the capsule is forming. Most surgeons recommend performing the massage routine at least three to five times per day, with each session lasting a few minutes per breast. This frequent displacement helps establish the implant’s final position and keeps the tissue flexible during the first few months. While the most intense period of massage usually lasts for three to six months, some individuals choose to continue the practice less frequently for a year or even indefinitely.
An important precaution is to confirm that the specific type of implant is suitable for massage, as textured implants are generally designed to lock into place and should not be manipulated. If any part of the routine causes sharp or severe pain, the activity should be stopped immediately, and the surgeon should be notified. Patients should also monitor their breasts for any signs of complications, such as unexpected hardness, excessive tightness, or unusual changes in shape. If there is any concern about the technique or if lumps or hardening develop, consulting the surgeon is necessary for a professional evaluation.