Massage

Day 3 post op now, when do you start to massage your babies? I have so many questions. I'm sitting down not doing much and just thinking. 

I asked my nurse this when I had mine done and she bit my head off with a DO NOT massage them. So I'm interested to know why you do or don't? The benefits.....cookie where are you? Xx

DO NOT massage them! They need to be kept firm and stable in order for them to adhere to the pocket, especially textured implants. You can start scar massage around 4-6wk depending on the all clear from your nurse. But there is no reason to massage the implant. The ONLY time you would is if specifically told to by your surgeon to encourage stubborn implants.

wait till you get the heads up from your surgeon or nurse t massage. Definitely not yet though x

As Charli has said no massaging, they will soften & drop in their own time, this is where the patience comes in & lots of it, XXX

Thanks girls xx

The implants we have, unless you have polyeurothane have a 'textured' shell, with tiny little fibres that will interweave with our Breast tissue. Now unlike polyeurothane implants which entangle with Breast tissue immediately, the textured implants take time and stability, hence our need to wear a sportsbra to keep the Breast stable. 

On the forum we've had women who have been able to feel their implant rolling around and moving inside the skin. This happens when the Breast aren't getting enough stability, so it's very important we're in good sportsbras to keep that stability. 

Over time the little fibres are going to interweave with your Breast tissue. When this happens the implant is then 'a part of you' it's going to move with your body, just as a natural Breast would. It's normally around 6 weeks that they're needing that stability, but depending on your healing, some women may have a very tight Breast that doesn't need support, the Breast is tight enough and they're advised no bra, so the implant can go on healing in that tight Breast...others can go on as long as 12 weeks, needing that support and stability to get where we need to be.

But however long it takes we all want natural movement From our boobs don't we and whether that's 6 weeks or 12 weeks it's all worth it for the final result isn't it. 

Massage is 'generally' advised to be done from around 6 weeks. But as I said, we each heal at different rates so that could be different from woman to woman Xx

Thanks cookie. My left incision is bleeding and very itchy.its about the size of a 2 pound coin the stain on my bra that is . It's wet so started today . I'm sure it's nothing to worry about ? Xx

What you're experiencing is 'oozing' this is perfectly normal. 

Whatever you do, try not to remove your dressings to take a peek. It's best not to disturb the wound at all to allow it to heal and the skin to knit together. 

The only time you need worry would be if your dressings were sodden with blood and you could see no sign of the blood stopping. But some oozing....yeah, that's just fine Anne. Xx

Thanks cookie however I do need to change my bra tonight but will not disturb dressings xxx

Oh, bras are no problem Anne.  It's just the dressings. And don't worry about any dried blood on the dressings, that's fine too 

Thank you Anne for posting this question.
The answers are very reassuring and informative, thank you ladies =) xx

Mine is still oozing blood so if if lasts longer than a day I will call clinic tomorrow . It started this morning and I expect it to stop by now xxx

Oozing s fine Anne, even if it is longer than a day. Concern really is if your dressings are 'sodden' but of course there's no harm in having the clinic check it out if only for reassurance for you. 

Just didn't want you worrying sweetie 

It's more than small spots of blood it's about 3 inches long stain on my bra round the side. You can't help but worry . Xx

I know hun. Oozing really can go on for days (been there and done it hun) and it's honestly no concern. But as you said you can't help but worry so if it helps to make you feel better then calling the clinic isn't going to hurt. 

I was just hoping to offer some reassurance Anne. I'll mind my own now lol.  

Oh no cookie never mind your own, I really value your opinion.and you have made me feel heaps better. I really appreciate all your advice.xxxxx

Did you have drains Anne? Xx

Yes I did . To be honest they were not that bad. I'm leaking out of those also but glad I had them. Xxx

That's why I asked, as my nurse said you can leak quite a bit. I didn't, but we are all different plus you was in and out quick. Think I had my drains in a while. Could have made the difference? Try not to panic and chase your nurse tomorrow. Nothing you can do tonight lovely xx

Cookie put my mind at rest. Feel much better today and going to the hairdressers to get my hair washed, which I cannot wait for !!! X

Awwww I'm so glad you're feeling better Anne, and the hairdresser appointment will make you feel wonderful! Enjoy it babe xx