Getting A Breast Massage Post Augmentation
Breast augmentation today has gained immense popularity as a cosmetic procedure. But breast augmentation can also be done for medical reasons like repairing damage after a mastectomy or to correct genetic abnormalities or in sex change operations.
In this procedure three different types of implants can be used – silicone, saline or a composite implant. These implants are inserted into the body and thereby used to correct deformity, if any.
These implants are inserted into the breast at a particular place, creating an implant pocket. The amount of time taken to recover will depend mainly on where the implants are placed. The main areas are subglandular, subfascial, subpectoral and submuscular. Of these, the most common implants are usually placed subglandular or subfascial while breast reconstruction is done by placing the implant submuscular. Recuperative time is estimated at 4 to 6 weeks for breast augmentation and very often leaves no scars in the area. The submuscular surgeries tend to have a longer convalescence time.
Purpose
Breast massage after augmentation is often one of the recuperative strategies suggested. While there is a mixed opinion between doctors on whether massage is helpful or not, most doctors suggest it so that the breast tissue adapts to the implant faster. Massage is recommended depending on the type of implant used and how comfortable the doctor is with recommending massage as a healing technique.
The primary purpose of breast massage after an augmentation procedure is to speed up healing for the patient. Massaging the breast is believed to reduce scar tissue. The thinner the scar, the more soft and pliant the breast (with the implant) will be. The human body’s natural instinct is to reject the foreign matter, in this case the implant, and you will not be able enjoy the end result of breast augmentation if the implant is not properly integrated.
Technique
The patient is asked to start the massage after the first post-operative appointment which is usually one week after the surgery. The first week tends to be a painful week. The scar from the surgery can make it difficult for patients to start massaging the breast with the implant.
The technique for this type of massage is quite simple. This massage is also known as lymph drainage massage.
This massage helps reduce infection and swelling of the cells around the incision, which is the body’s natural response to the implant. The body treats this procedure and incision as an injury and fights to keep it out of the body.
First massage your breast from breast tissue to the nipple in outward circular motions. Do this action slowly and you will feel your skin and the tissue beneath it, warming to your touch. If you feel any hard part within the tissue, slowly work to loosening this muscle. The next step is to cup your breast and press it in an upward direction, squeezing as you do. This motion will move the implant in its place, helping it integrate better.
The massage is usually recommended to commence one week post surgery, at the recommendation of the doctor. The doctor may also show you how to massage your breasts. The doctor may also suggest that you begin with the massage already after the third week of surgery. Experts suggest that you continue the massage for over a month for 2-3 hours, at least twice daily. Eventually you would need to massage your breast at least once daily, for the rest of your life or for the life of the implant.
Precautions
As with any procedure, even with this procedure and its post operative care, you need to take some precautions.
- Avoid starting the massage before the doctor recommends it. You could inadvertently open the incision and cause an infection.
- If you feel your implant hardening during massage, bring it to your doctor’s notice.
- Any change in breast levels or tightening around the nipple is a sign that a complication could be developing.
