Massaging area

[AREM]

Hi there,

Currently 7 days post op and have been reading the site a lot lately. I keep reading about people 'massaging' their chest as part of the healing process yet my doctor never made any mention, what are the benefits to this/should I be doing this?

[waves]

I think some surgeons recommend it and others do not.  If you don't feel any lumps and bumps you may not need to.  If you do, call your surgeon and ask if he/she thinks you should massage.

[shaker]

my doctor (nurse i should say) said to start away after 7 days, i started however at day 10, just mild massage will go aggressive when i hit 3 weeks mark. Depends on ur surgery and surgeon so contact them.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

In general, I do not recommend massage in the immediate post-operative period -- which means the first 4-6 weeks at a minimum.  Massage can induce more swelling and it is swelling that is present during those first few weeks.

I prefer to wait at least 4-8 weeks after surgery (obviously, all care is individualized) and then institute massage if I feel it is indicated.

Best to speak with your surgeon after he has examined you.

Dr Jacobs