Choosing to get breast augmentation surgery is a deeply personal decision a woman may make for any number of reasons. Whether they’re looking to increase cup size to feel and look more confident or getting reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, there’s one thing our patients have in common: they want their results to look and feel as natural as possible.
At Miami Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to helping our patients get results they absolutely love. Part of that is providing detailed aftercare and recovery instructions that will aid the healing process and help achieve optimal results.
If you’ve recently had breast augmentation surgery, and you want your newly enhanced chest to settle naturally, here’s a step-by-step guide for post-surgery massage.
Before You Start
It’s important to make sure you’re healed enough before you start massaging your breast implants to help them settle into a natural-looking position. Jumping the gun and beginning to massage your chest too early can have adverse effects such as prolonging the healing process, tearing, or infections.
To avoid potential complications, please wait until at least 1 week post-operation to begin your breast implant massages.
Why Should I Massage My Breast Implants?
Massaging your breast implants helps to stretch out the pocket around the implant to allow it to settle into place and heal softly. This provides a more natural look that molds to your body rather than just sitting stagnantly beneath the tissue.
It’s important to remember that chest massaging is only advised for patients who have had a breast augmentation, not for lifts or other breast surgeries. If you’re not sure if you should be doing breast massages after your procedure, don’t hesitate to consult with your surgeon or one of our other highly knowledgeable providers.
How to Massage Breast Implants
Start by grabbing the breast implant with one hand at the top and the other hand at the bottom. Make sure your hands are close to the base of the implant nearest your chest.
Starting with the hand at the bottom of your breast implant, squeeze up so that the implant shifts upward toward your top hand. Do not squeeze outward toward the nipple.
While the implant is lifted upward, squeeze with your top hand and release with your bottom hand to push the implant back downward. Hold this downward pressure for 3 to 5 seconds.
Repeat this for 2 to 3 minutes being sure to spend equal time massaging both breasts. The goal is to push the implant up and down about 10 times on each side.
How Often Should I Massage My Breast Implants?
Each patient is unique, so your specific instructions will be personalized to your case and your needs. On average, most patients will perform this breast implant massage technique 2 to 3 times a day for the first month before transitioning to 1 or 2 times a day for the second month, continuing until the implants drop into place and look exactly how you want them to.
For more information about breast augmentation surgery, including scheduling a consultation if you are considering the procedure, contact Miami Plastic Surgery at 305.595.2969.
