Massage after surgery

[powerline93]

I will be 3 weeks post op this Thursday. I have been massaging lots, but have had to temporarily stop massaging the right side due to a seroma. I am waiting for the green light to start massaging the right side again.

At any point, would it be okay to lay on my stomach for a massage by a massage therapist. Furthermore, would it be an okay idea to have her massage the area? I'm sure she is knowledge, but if not, should her pressure be hard? Should the technique be a circle motion or can she work the scar tissue as she would any other spot on the body.

Can any residual glandular tissue grow larger from massaging it if it is mistaken for scar tissue?

Thanks in advanced!

[Dr. Schuster]

It should be fine to lie on your stomach. If you truly have a seroma it should be aspirated. Massage in the area of the seroma could make it worse. Massage will not cause breast tissue to regrow. You should check with your surgeon regarding whether or not to massage at all. Surgeons have different opinions on massage.

[DrPensler]

Massage does not increase glandular tissue. With regard to seroma etc check with your surgeon when he/she is comfortable with massage. Its best to have a small complication managed by someone who has seen and examined you.

[Miguel Delgado MD]

This is a question that is ask often.  I am not a big fan of massage in this area closely  after surgery. People massage to soften the tissue but this happens naturally with time.  Massage to early can detach the skin from the underlying tissue and causes problems like a seroma. A back message is fine.  

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I prefer that my patients NOT do any massage for at least 6-8 weeks -- it could actually cause swelling or detach skin from the underlying tissues.

After that, appropriate massage can help to diminish some swelling.  Massage does not eliminate scar tissue but it can mobilize swelling that often accompanies scar tissue so that the chest contours improve.  This is decided on an individual basis.

Dr Jacobs