5 weeks post surgery,couple questions

[st23]

Had checkup with the doc,asked him about massaging the area and if it was necessary. He didn't seem to think so,but then again I really don't remember him even touching my chest. Would he be able to tell simply by checking it visually? I would guess not. How would I know if massage was needed? I may have gotten an inexperienced gyno doc. If so, I want to take the initiative.Also,my armpit area on one side seems swollen.Would this be normal at this stage? I'm 42 yrs old. I guess I might take longer to heal than a lot on this site. At times the chest still feels tender and sore. Any help would be appreciated.

[Miguel Delgado MD]

Message is good but not required.  the tissue will mature and soften withtimne naturally but the messaging will make the progress go faster.  Your choice.

[DrPensler]

Swelling at five weeks is expected to a degree.In an active individual I do not have a problem with message but it has limited impact,in someone who has poor mobility after surgery I think its useful.

[Litlriki]

If there are areas that are stubborn--remain swollen with a feeling of firmness compared to the surrounding area ("induration")--I think that massage is very useful to speed up resolution.  I also like my patients to massage the treated area to prevent the skin from scarring down to the underlying tissue, which can result in tethering.

Rick Silverman