Post-breast augmentation surgery massage: Recovery period health education & Q&A summary

Why is massage necessary after breast augmentation surgery?

Because breast augmentation requires "appropriate expansion of the prosthesis space," after the surgery, a capsule will form around the implanted prosthesis, encapsulating it. Without massage, the breast will gradually harden and even deform, forming...Capsular contractureTherefore, the first three months are the golden period, and it is recommended to massage during this time. This can also reduce the occurrence of capsule contracture. Usually, massage is needed for about six months, but the exact time depends on the individual's situation.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture, also known as "stone breast," occurs when a foreign object is surgically implanted. As a result, the body's immune system tries to encapsulate the object, causing a collagen capsule to form around it. When this capsule shrinks, tightens, and compresses the implant, the breast becomes hard, painful, and may even change shape. This is what people worry about: capsular contracture.

How can we reduce the chances of capsular contracture?

Besides medical skills, the following points can also reduce the chance of developing pelvic floor muscle contractures:
1. Avoid postoperative hematoma
2. Post-breast augmentation massage
3. Start taking Vitamin E one week after surgery.
4. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke before and after surgery.
5. Wear a special post-breast augmentation bra for enhanced support.

How can I determine if there is capsular contracture? If so, what should I do?

Capsular contracture is usually classified into four degrees depending on its severity:
1. The shape of the breasts may not appear to have changed, but the softness may not be as expected.
Second, the shape of the breast has not changed, but a firm, watery ball can be felt by hand.
3. The breast shape is deformed, the prosthesis may have shifted, and it feels hard to the touch.
Fourth, in addition to breast deformation and hardness, there are also uncomfortable sensations such as pain.
For capsule contractures of grades one and two, massage can usually help; for grades three or four, surgery is required to remove the capsule, but the possibility of it hardening again cannot be ruled out.

Which type of breast prosthesis surgery does not require massage after the procedure?

Generally, textured or rough-surfaced allogeneic breast implants, autologous fat breast augmentation, and some teardrop-shaped breast implants do not require massage. Smooth-surfaced implants, however, require frequent post-operative massage. It is recommended to confirm with your doctor before surgery.

Massage methods after breast augmentation surgery

Because every situation and implant material is different, you must confirm with your doctor which method is suitable for you before the massage!

●The first three days:

Avoid sleeping on your stomach and getting massages, as massage immediately after surgery may cause bleeding problems.

● Three to seven days:

Push inwards or outwards for 1-2 minutes on each side, and massage at least 4-5 times a day. If you have time, you can massage once every half hour to an hour.

Inward push: Cross your hands in front of your chest, touch the bottom of the prosthesis under your armpit with the tips of your fingers, and then use your fingers to push the prosthesis inward until the cleavage is clearly a straight line.

Push outward: Using the same side of your body (right hand for right breast, left hand for left breast), press the bottom of the outer side of your palm against the bottom edge of the prosthesis (the side closest to your chest), and push from your chest towards both sides of your armpit. You can use your other hand to hold the pushing hand to increase the force. Also, make sure your palm is firmly pressed against your ribs when pushing.

Tips: If your breasts are more concentrated or inward-pointing, you can push them outwards; if your breasts are more normal or spread outwards, you can push them inwards.

● Seven days to one month later:

After performing the internal/external push, add a "cross-shaped massage" for about 10-15 minutes on each side, at least three times a day.

Way:Use the side of your palm to push the breast prosthesis up, down, left, and right. Since you need to slightly expand the space, you need to feel the breast prosthesis sliding to complete the process.

● One to three months:

Perform a cross-shaped massage followed by a star-shaped massage, 10 minutes on each side, at least three times a day. You should first confirm the massage direction with a doctor.

Method: Divide the breast into eight equal directions outward from the nipple. Use the palm of your hand to push the breast prosthesis in each of the eight directions, holding for 10 seconds on each side. Do this for 10 minutes on each side, for about four cycles. After finishing, follow up with a cross-shaped massage.

● Three to six months:

The massage can be done in a cross shape and a star shape. You can consult with your doctor to adjust the massage frequency to once in the morning and once in the evening, depending on your situation.

The clinic has nurses who can massage me. Do I need to massage myself at home?

Because more massage is needed after breast augmentation surgery, it is not enough to just go to the clinic for a massage once a day. It is recommended to massage at home every half hour to an hour to reduce the occurrence of capsular contracture and keep the breasts soft.

My breast prostheses are uneven! What should I do?!

You can use the bra strap to adjust the position. For example, pull the bra strap down on the higher side and use the chest pockets to support the prosthesis. Remember to loosen the shoulder straps at the same time. If the prosthesis is positioned too low, use the bra strap to lift it up while tightening the bra shoulder straps.

Can I still do weight training after breast augmentation with breast implants?

About two weeks after breast augmentation, you can start light exercise and lower body weight training. One month later, you can start more intense exercise and upper body weight training. The exact timing varies from person to person, so it is recommended to consult with your doctor before starting.

Is it okay to squeeze your breasts after breast augmentation with breast implants?

It is recommended to treat breast prostheses gently for the first month, and to be extra careful if you are sexually active.

Should I wear a bra with or without underwire after breast augmentation surgery?

After breast augmentation surgery, it is recommended not to wear underwire bras for the first month. Wearing them too early may cause breast deformation. Starting from the third month, if confirmed by the doctor, you can wear soft underwire bras to help maintain the breast shape. When you start wearing underwire bras, the principle is to provide proper support for the breasts. Do not wear styles that emphasize pushing and lifting too much. The cup size should be moderate, and the cleavage distance should be about 1 to 1.5 centimeters. It is not necessary to squeeze them into a line, but you should make sure that the upper breasts feel supported. It is better to choose bras with wider and more supportive shoulder straps.

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Before surgery, please give yourself patience, courage, and a good mood, and maintain a healthy mind and body. During the postoperative recovery period, please maintain a regular schedule, get enough sleep, and cooperate with the doctor's return visit schedule. Give your beautiful breasts time to recover, fall in love with yourself again, and embrace an elegant and beautiful new life.