Do I Need to Massage My Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation surgery is a great way to improve your confidence and self-esteem. Just like any other surgery, however, patients need to prepare beforehand and be aware of any risks or complications involved. You may have heard that breast implant massages can improve the results of your breast augmentation and prevent issues such as capsular contracture. At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we specialize in this procedure and can give you the answers you need to move forward.

So how soon should you massage your implants after breast augmentation? When you schedule an online consultation or in-person appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe, we believe it is important to ensure your path towards a healthy recovery in Dallas, TX. By following our guidelines for aftercare, you can reduce the chances of adverse side effects. Allow us to teach you how to massage implants after surgery.

Why should I massage my implants?

After you undergo breast augmentation, there are a number of instructions patients need to follow for proper healing. This includes information about medications and how long to avoid strenuous exercise. During the beginning of the recovery process, patients are also asked to avoid touching or pressing down on the tissue to avoid damage. Once you have been cleared by Dr. Dauwe, massaging the breasts may lead to a number of health benefits.

When your body senses a foreign substance, such as breast implants, its initial response is to produce new scar tissue. Over time, this scar tissue could harden around the breasts and change the appearance or feel of your implants. Massaging the breasts is designed to encourage blood flow in the area. A breast implant massage can reduce the amount of scar tissue and allow the implants to stay soft and flexible.

How soon to massage after breast augmentation

Because each patient is unique, you need to consult with Dr. Dauwe to learn how soon to massage after breast augmentation. He can develop a personalized plan with your health and breast implant size in mind. Generally, you can begin massaging the breasts 1 – 2 weeks after surgery to promote healthy tissue. It is critical to wait until you have completely healed from surgery before beginning a massage.

A breast implant massage can be performed two times a day for a few moments at a time. It is recommended to perform massages frequently for the first few months after recovery, but there is no reason not to continue this habit on a long-term basis. Many of our patients in Dallas, TX decide to massage their breasts for as long as they have implants. If either of your breast implants feels hard or tight in any way, be sure to contact Dr. Dauwe immediately.

How to massage implants after surgery

The professionals at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery can teach you how to massage implants after surgery. Start by massaging your breasts in a circular motion, beginning at the top of the breasts, and moving around the implant in a clockwise direction. Remember to support the bottom of the breasts with your other hand at the same time. The massage should be gentle and not cause any discomfort.

Patients can use other similar techniques and movements to push the breast tissue in different directions and keep the blood flow moving. This will also keep the skin around the breasts loose and healthy. We also suggest using soothing products, such as coconut oil, to make the breast implant massage a relaxing experience. Of course, your breast implant incisions need to be healed completely before applying any lotions or creams.

A note about capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when scar tissue hardens, creating a tight and sometimes painful capsule around the breast implant. Many physicians suggest massaging breasts on a regular basis to prevent capsular contracture from occurring. Again, it is highly recommended to consult with Dr. Dauwe before beginning your massages. Our office can provide more specific information that is tailored to your personal health and goals.

Schedule breast surgery with Dr. Dauwe

Massaging your implants after breast augmentation is one of the greatest ways to make sure your implants remain healthy for years to come. When performed correctly, a breast implant massage could prevent complications like capsular contracture. At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, we can see you through surgery from beginning to end. Schedule a consultation with our clinic when you are ready to get started. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe is glad to provide helpful guidelines about how soon to massage after breast augmentation.