Post Recon Surgery*Implant Massage*

Options
Linda54
Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
edited August 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I know a lot of us is concerned about Capsular Contracture (CC for short) and would like to know what we can do to keep the scar tissue from getting out of control.  Nosurrender posted this website back in December and I just recently saw it again (can't remember who posted it) but I posted it on the October Recon site yesterday....Jean thought I should start a new Topic so it would be easy to find.  This massage technique is for Post Implant Reconstruction surgery.....It shows how to move the implant around in the pocket to keep the pocket open.  Makes a lot of sense to me....our PS don't tell us anything....

www.californiasurgicalinstitute.com/breast-implant-massage.html

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«134

Comments

  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2009

    My surgeon said she now believes that CC occurs because of bacteria on the implant or bleeding post op. I have read some info on line about this theory. She doesn't recommend doing it anymore.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    Karen

    I have never heard about bacteria causing CC....and are you saying that your doc does not recommend massaging the implants? 

    CC is when normal scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant grows tighter (contracts) around the implant, it can make the implant feel hard, distort appearance and cause discomfort. The theory is that if the pocket the implant sits in is slightly larger than the implant, then the scar pocket cannot contract or squeeze the implant and cause hardness.  CC can happen weeks, months or even years after implant placement.

    It is my understanding that you should NOT massage the textured implants..

    Maybe some of the ladies that have had to deal with CC will give some good advice....as for me I am going to continue with the massage techniques. anything to keep the CC away.....I am 7 months post implants and so far so good for me and I am dealing with a rad side which is more prone to CC.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Desny
    Desny Member Posts: 371
    edited May 2009

    When I asked my ps if I should massage the implant - he said no.  I am just accepting it until he tells me different.  My exchange was on March 19th.  Feeling fine and adjusting to my pec muscles and getting back to normal activity.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • got2bme
    got2bme Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2009

    Newly diagnosed and am waiting for surgery date.

    Plan is double mastectomy with reconstruction. 

    How much pain?  How long before you're moving around again without limitations?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    got2bme

    Sorry you are facing this kind of surgery and there are plenty of women here that will be able to help answer your questions....I had a bi-lat mx with LD flap recon and I did not have much pain mostly discomfort.....not bad at all considering what I went through.  I was back at work in 4 weeks.  It depends on what kind of work you do.  I am a hair stylist so did not have to be picking up anything heavy.  I was walking for exercise within 2 weeks and running in 5 weeks.

    you might get more info to your question if you would check out the monthly topics such as the October Reconstructioneers. 

    This topic here concerns the forming of Capsular Contracture scar tissue around implants.....

    the best to you....if you get your surgery date in June you need to join the June surgery group

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • got2bme
    got2bme Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2009

    Thanks. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherry64
    sherry64 Member Posts: 184
    edited May 2009

    I just returned from my post-op visit with my PS following my exchange last Monday.  He showed me how to massage the implants just as shown in the video.  I have smooth silicone.  I'm very hopeful this will keep CC away.  Thanks for posting the video, Linda!

    Sherry

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited May 2009

    I have read about bacteria causing CC.

    PS told me that he makes sure he's the only person in the OR who handles them and they dip them in some kind of solution before implanting them. However, breast tissue is known for such issues so it doesn't always work right.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • qutypy
    qutypy Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2009

    got2beme

    I had the same surgery this past January. two weeks ago I had my tissues expanders replaced with silicone and today was my post op. I look awesome and scheduled the nipple reconstruction for mid July. Don't start thinking about any discomfort you may have. You will definitely be able to handle it. I was really worried prior to initial surgery and it was not terrible at all. I had my husband home a few days and started to drive 12 days post op. You can do this easily, really. Let me know if I can answer any questions you may have.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited May 2009

    Linda - My PS agrees that massage helps. She says the best thing I can do it sleep on my stomach. I watched the video and decided that stomach sleeping is the compression part and also performs some of the other things naturally. I really appreciated having the video - thanks. - Jean

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2009

    Ditto on the tummy sleeping...my PS recommended it almost immediately.  Of course, we know it took some time to finally get there...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    Erin and Jean

    I am not a tummy sleeper.  I am a side sleeper but I am way over to the side and I am actually lying on the breast....so that should help.....

    It irritates me that doctors are so different...wear bra, don't wear bra, do massage, don't do massage etc......I just wish there was one instruction booklet on reconstruction and all doctors had to follow it.....dream on   LOL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 663
    edited May 2009

    :-)...Hi Linda--Gretchen and I caught up with one another this weekend for coffee.  It was great to meet her.  I know you both have met...so the next time you're in the Atlanta area--the three of us need to get together!  Erin

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    Erin

    That sounds great....My next visit will probably be Labor Day weekend.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitanga
    pitanga Member Posts: 596
    edited May 2009

    Linda,

    Thanks for posting that link!  Shortly after my surgery at the end of March, it appeared that the implant was adhering to my chest and so my PS sent me to a physical therapist for a kind of massage she described as "lymphatic drainage" (I am in Brazil and sometimes the terms are different). What I saw in the video is very similar to what my physical therapist has been doing. I have had  8 sessions but now it turns out my insurance will only pay 20% of the cost and I cannot afford to absorb the remainder. So it was very helpful to have it all explained on the video, I now think I understand it well enough to be able to do it on my own. Thanks again!

    Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    Lisa

    So sorry that your insurance would not pay more but like you said you learned enough to do it on your own.....glad this video is helping.....

    take care there in Brazil

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pas
    pas Member Posts: 55
    edited May 2009

    I have my exchange scheduled for July 2nd.  I haven't decided on what type of implants yet, I go see the PS next week.  

     How long is the recovery and is the recovery alot easier than the bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy was I had back in February?  What will be my limitations?

    Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sunfishlee
    sunfishlee Member Posts: 33
    edited May 2009

    I had my exchange on May 22. All the ladies said it was a piece of cake compared to the PBM and they were right. My PS recommends massage everyday, she really believes it prevents CC if you maintain the pocket larger than the implant. 

    Lee 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited May 2009

    My exchange was also easy. You will be fine. Best wishes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2009

    Linda 54- My surgeon like Rose's is the only one who touches the implant and it is soaking in an antibiotic solution before it is placed. She doesn't recommend massage at all and I trust her she has a very good reputation among my coworkers and other physicians.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karen9516
    karen9516 Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2009
    http://jcm.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/47/5/1333 Here is a Pilot study from the JCM about bacteria causing CC. There are others online as well.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited May 2009

    Thanks Karen for the article...that is interesting...I had never heard about the bacteria causing CC before......It is so confusing when some docs say to massage and others say not to.  I will continue to massage mine.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited May 2009
    And my PS says to do what ever I want!! Tongue out Go figure!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • susand
    susand Member Posts: 226
    edited May 2009

    I had my exchange sugery at the end of April.  My PS used textured silicone implants.  He also offers no advice about whether to massage or not.  He said to do what I normally do.  I am not quite sure what that means after a year of nothing being 'normal'!  the massage video makes sense to me but because I do have textured implants I am hesitant. anyone massage with textured?  thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited June 2009

    susand

    I think I remember reading that you sould not be moving (massaging) textured implants because they are suppose to adhere to the chest wall (or something to that effect)....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angel10
    Angel10 Member Posts: 682
    edited June 2009

    Ladies,

    I am still with the TE's...when you speak of massaging are you speaking after the exchange or with the temporary implants, too?  My PS has said nothing about this...

    Thanks!

    Angel

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited June 2009

    Angel10

    It would be really difficult to massage the TE's since they are so hard and immobile....this video is for when you have your implants.....

    My radiated side TE could not be moved and was hard and felt like I was sleeping on a rock but my other side was different, more like it is now with the implant....it was just a little firmer....I did not do anything to the TE's......just waiting was difficult at times....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kle
    kle Member Posts: 317
    edited June 2009

    Hi Just FYI my PS does have me messaging my TE.  Not like in the video, just circles around the edges, and kinda tugging the whole expander downward.     And I will continue once I have my exchange, but will have to clarify how she will want that done.

    KLE

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited June 2009

    I don't know about all the conflicting advice re: massage/no massage, but I do know after watching this DH and I had a huge laugh about the post op instructions that included no sex for 6 weeks to avoid moving or compressing the implants.  Obviously whether it helps with capsular contracture or not it doesn't hurt anything.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mrsb
    mrsb Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2009

    I had  a permenentt saline expander and was not allowed to massage it  however when i had Becker silicone/saline combo expander put in. I have to massge.. MY ps laughed when i told him how lovley it feels to do it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories