Massaging your breast implants after breast augmentation is one of the best ways to ensure that your implants remain healthy and natural in their appearance. When performed correctly, breast massage after implant surgery can not only create a pleasing aesthetic, but it can also speed up the healing of your breasts.
Why Is It Important to Massage Your Breasts?
The goal of frequent breast massages after augmentation is to keep the implant soft and natural. When your body senses any foreign substance, its initial response is to stimulate the production of scar tissue. Over time this scar tissue will harden around your breasts and affect the appearance and feel of your implants. Practicing breast massages will reduce the growth of scar tissue, allowing implants to remain soft and flexible.
When Should You Begin Massaging Your Breasts?
You should begin massaging your breasts one week after your surgery to promote healthy and beautiful results. You do, however, want to wait until after your incisions have healed to be sure that you do not open the incisions, as this can lead to infection. Breast massages should be performed two to three times a day for two to three minutes at a time. It is recommended to perform these frequently for the first three months of your healing process; however, continuing this habit afterward will only aid in your results. Many patients decide to keep this practice for as long as they have their implants.
Proper Breast Massage Techniques
At one week post-op, massage your breasts in a circular motion starting at the top pole of the breasts and gently move around the implant clockwise. This will reduce swelling and increase your healing time. When first beginning these massages, it is best to support the bottom of the breast with one hand while the other massages. After a few days, you can move to more aggressive massage techniques such as pressing and stretching any tissue that feels hard, as well as squeezing the implants allowing them to shift in the breast pocket. Do not be afraid to use adequate pressure when performing these massages. The implant can withstand the pressure and the deeper you massage, the better off you will be.
It is wise to always consult with Dr. Batra before beginning breast massages because implants that are shaped or textured are not suitable and massaging can affect their final appearance.