A breast augmentation consists of enlarging the breasts with breast implants. Getting a breast augmentation can be an amazing procedure. Whether you have decided to enlarge them to better fit your body, or to bring back some firmness after having a baby, a breast augmentation can be an effective way to gain body confidence. However, as a surgical procedure, it can also have its periods of discomfort. To better ensure your path towards healthy healing after your procedure, it’s important to learn how to massage breasts after a breast augmentation.
Benefits
Massaging your breasts after breast augmentation surgery can help reduce the growth of a scar tissue capsule around the implant, help heal the incision wound faster, and help keep breasts soft and flexible. During the beginning of the healing process, it is best not to touch them too much so the incision site has the proper amount of time to heal. Once it has been cleared by your surgeon, massaging the breasts can have a number of benefits. By massaging the breasts, you’re helping to encourage fresh blood flow throughout your chest area. This can also help to drain the stagnant lymph fluid located within the chest area to the underarm region.
Precaution
It’s always best to consult your surgeon before massaging. Your surgeon or surgical nurse will help guide you and demonstrate the proper massage techniques. You should wait until your incision is completely healed before you start massaging. Waiting will ensure the incision doesn’t open up and get infected. If your breast implant feels hard or getting tighter, be sure to talk to your surgeon immediately.
Techniques
There are several different massage techniques that can help with the healing process of your breasts.
- For the downward massage, start by placing both hands on your one of your breasts and gently pull the breast tissue upward and push the implant downward. Hold the breast in this position for 10 seconds, then repeat the massage on the alternate breast. Continue alternating and massaging each breast 10 times. It is best to do this massage 3 times a day.
- The upward massage technique helps stretch out your implant capsule and push the breast upward. Start by cupping your left hand under the nipple of your right breast and squeeze your implant upward. When you feel your implant is at the top of the pocket, hold it in place for 10 seconds. Repeat this process with your right hand and left breast. Repeat alternating between each breast 10 times and practice this massage at least 3 times a day.
- Use one hand to cup the top of one breast with the base of your palm closest to your armpit. Squeeze and gently push the tissue together a few times. Switch to the other breast and repeat. For the double-handed technique, lace fingers together and place on the top of the breast with both palms facing away from each other. Using both palms, squeeze the tissue together a few times and switch to the other breast.
- Using both hands, hold one breast in each hand and push them together using a light to medium pressure. Push breasts together and hold. Release and repeat.
You can always use other slow movements with medium pressure to push your breast tissue around in different directions to keep the blood flow pumping, and the skin around your breasts loose and healthy.
Using soothing, natural products like coconut oil, vitamin E oil, or drops of certain beauty oils, can help make your massage more of a relaxing experience. Using an oil or light cream can keep your skin soft and supple. Again, make sure your incision is healed before applying non approved lotions and creams around it.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue hardens and forms a tight capsule around the implant. This causes the implant to harden and lose its form. Massaging your breasts regularly can help prevent capsular contracture from occuring. It’s highly recommended to consult with your surgeon before you start massaging to ensure your breasts are properly healed.
At Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Eisemann is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of cosmetic surgery experience here in the Houston area. He offers specialized knowledge and professional ability in performing breast augmentations, and can help see you through your surgery from beginning to end. For more information on surgical breast options, visit our blog and get real advice on all things cosmetic surgery, healthy eating, and more.
