Q about massaging and swelling...

[shon]

My situation;  I am 6 days post-op, surgery seemed to go well.  Had drains removed very quickly (next day).  I have been wearing my compression vest and overall no concerns.  Yesterday I took my first good look, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Couple of questions though; 

1.  My PS has never once mentioned massaging.  Is it necessary?  Too soon; hence the reason he hasn't mentioned it?  Is it only necessary in certain situations?  Any advice would be appreciated.

2.  I feel pretty fortunate based on some of the posts in this forum.  Minimal swelling, minimal bruising.  Does it get worse?  In other words, if I continue to have a healthy recovery, do things get progressively better or should I expect to see late swelling or bruising?

Thanks guys, appreciate any info!

[gyne23]

Absolutely it's important..In fact, it's quite essential in the healing process.. Your scar tissue will form under the skin, and you'll notice a harden lump(s) behind the nipple, potentially around different areas of the peck, and maybe under the armpit if you had some work there..

In general from what I have gathered, and from what my PS told me, you don't want to start massaging until 3 weeks or so after surgery...

When you begin to massage, apply light pressure (in a circular motion) for the first couple of weeks to the scare tissue to begin to break it up... About 5 weeks post op, you want to apply more pressure for a deep tissue massage to the areas that you feel the harden tissue..

Also, when you begin to massage.. Apply some cocoa butter and massage for about 15 minutes or so... The cocoa butter helps aid in the healing of the scar itself, and it limits irritation of the skin when rubbing it for 15 minutes..

In some cases the scar tissue is stubborn, so don't get discouraged if you're still massaging a few months from when you start..

In virtually all cases it will eventually go away with a persistent massage and proper care..