Breast massage to avoid capsular contracture?

famousthecat

Hi all! I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (direct to implant) one week ago. I met with my PS yesterday, and they mentioned massaging both breasts three times a day to help avoid capsular contracture.

I got home and realized they gave me zero guidance on what I should be doing! Are there any step by step instructions on massage or a video? How "vigorous" should I be doing it, and are there any specific tips other than just, you know... Massaging?

Thanks for the help! I'll see them again Monday and ask for details, but I figured someone has been through this before here.

lila3357

hi famousthecat

my massage instructions were to press both breasts inward (like making a cleavage) hold for 5 seconds and then press both downward how'd for 5 seconds ...for 5 minutes 2x per day.

SpecialK

My massage instruction was similar but was likened to hands of the clock. Done on one breast at a time, firmly push down toward 6 o’clock from the top 12 o’clock position, and hold for a count of 10. Then move to the 3, 9, and 6 o’clock positions and push in the opposite direction (top to bottom, bottom to top, outside to inside, or inside to outside) depending on which clock position you’re at. Repeat on the opposite breast. Do this several times a day

famousthecat

Thank you so much! That's what I found online for directions on massage. I'm shaking my head a little since they gave me no direction and that's not at all what most people think when they think massage! I'll do that and ask them to clarify on Monday.