Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances the overall appearance of women by sculpting and enlarging their breast size. Many plastic surgeons recommend massaging your breasts after the surgery. With that said, the type of massage after a breast augmentation is different from an ordinary massage.
Highly skilled practitioners perform a special massage called lymphatic drainage massage. It is done to prevent lymphatic fluid accumulation and capsular contracture from forming in the surgical area. It is a medically specific massage that provides relief to the patient without hindering the wound healing process.
Post-Op: Benefits of the Massage
A number of studies confirm that the lymphatic drainage massage comes with a range of benefits. The massage not only relaxes the muscles, but also reinvigorates the immune system to fight against diseases and infections. The massage after breast augmentation also helps in decreasing the rate of capsular contracture. Furthermore, it keeps the breasts soft and natural.
In fact, lymphatic drainage massage after the breast enlargement surgery can speed up the healing process and enhance the aesthetic results. The massage involves using mild motions and pressure to move the fluids away from the breast area. It also helps ease the pain and discomfort the patients normally experiences after a breast augmentation.
In just 2-3 sessions of the massage, you will see the wonderful benefits. Aside from lessening the swelling and bruising, the massage can also help decrease the extent of scarring and prevent scarring-associated complications.
Massaging Certain Type of Breast Implants
The breast massage is not recommended for women who have got textured implants because it may negatively affect the results. Textured implants are meant to lock into a designated place and position to let the capsule develop around them, which is why massaging it would be detrimental to the healing process.
On the other hand, the massage is recommended for patients who have saline implants or silicone implants without texture. It is also good for patients with implants placed underneath the breast muscle. As for women with un-textured implants placed above the breast muscle, they can also benefit from the lymphatic drainage massage.
The aim of the lymphatic drainage massage is to support the implant. The massage generates some movement in the implant, but at the same time, it allows the implant to settle under the breast muscle as the capsule develops. Doing so helps in situating the implant in the ideal and intended position, thereby averting capsular contracture in the process.
In addition, massaging the breast area will prevent having high-riding implants. This mostly happens in patients who have fully-grown musculature. It is also important to understand that while some implants land into the intended places within 3-4 weeks after the procedure, other implants may require 2-3 months to settle down. Moreover, one implant may settle into its position before the other. This is absolutely normal, and you should not worry about it.
When should you have the massage?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you better instructions about how long you should wait after the breast augmentation surgery to go for the lymphatic drainage massage. After examining your aesthetic needs, recovery and overall health, the surgeon will be able to tell you the exact time to get the massage.
Generally, most patients are told to wait for about 6 weeks after the breast augmentation to have the massage. This is because of way the massage is done may impede on your recovery. During the lymphatic drainage massage, you will be required to lay on your stomach for a few minutes as the professional massages your breasts. This means your weight and the pressure applied may displace the implant. Therefore, it is best to wait for at least 6 weeks.
Is the massage necessary after a breast augmentation?
The lymphatic drainage massage’s main goal is to prevent capsular contracture from happening. This is a condition wherein the scar tissue around the implant causes the breasts to harden, all the while making it feel and appear different.
Doctors have varying opinions regarding this massage. There are many doctors who think that although lymphatic drainage massage after breast augmentation doesn’t cause any harm, it also doesn’t provide any impressive benefits. Some doctors even argue that the massage can be painful for the patients. Then there are some plastic surgeons who discourage the lymphatic massage because they find it unnecessary, especially when they see that their patient has a lower risk of developing a capsular contracture. They are more comfortable with prescribing medication in case of capsular contracture because they believe it is simply your body’s reaction to the foreign objects placed in your body. Another reason surgeons see no need for the massage is when they make the capsules large enough to accommodate and position the implants.
Despite that, majority of the surgeons recommend breast massage after breast augmentation because because they see multiple benefits in it for the patient.
Before getting the massage, patients should first discuss the benefits and potential complications of the lymphatic drainage massage with their surgeons, and whether it is necessary for them. If your surgeon is in favor of the breast massage, they will ensure that the technique is tailored to your needs.
Precautions during breast massage
It is safe to lay on your back during the lymphatic massage, but be mindful of the time because you should limit how long you stay on your back. You should place a pad under your chin and arms, and a towel or pillow under you neck and armpits because this will help transfer the pressure away from your breasts and chest. There is no harm in telling the masseuse to use mild pressure on your shoulders and upper back.
Conclusion
To sum up, the lymphatic massage comes with a range of benefits for the patient. It can help prevent capsular contracture, decrease swelling, and speed up the healing process. Whether you qualify for a breast massage depends on the type of implants you have. It is best to seek your surgeon’s advice and you must remember, the massage can only be performed at least six weeks after the breast augmentation surgery.
Surgeons understand that the type of breast implant suitable for you depends on a number of factors, such as your aesthetic goals, the breast shape and size you want to achieve, your current breast anatomy, your budget, and possible associated risks and complications. But overall, your plastic surgeon’s skills and experience will play a crucial role in defining the pros and cons of saline breast implants.