1. What is the best postoperative bra to wear after breast augmentation?
Choose a stable, compression-grade bra worn 24 h/day for the first 3 weeks. A 2023 RCT (“OptiBra”) found lower pain scores and greater shoulder mobility versus a soft bra (PubMed).
2. How can I reduce pain without relying on opioids?
Adopt multimodal analgesia: scheduled acetaminophen + NSAIDs plus long-acting local anesthetic to the implant pocket. This strategy cut opioid use in an implant trial of 136 women (PubMed).
3. Should I consider a pectoral (PECS) nerve block?
Yes—an ultrasound-guided PECS-1 block given before surgery lowered 24-h opioid needs and VAS pain scores in a 2021 randomized clinical study (PubMed).
4. When is it safe to start exercising after breast implant surgery?
A 2022 PRS RCT allowed light cardio and upper-body resistance at 1–2 weeks with no increase in seroma, infection or malposition, and higher BREAST-Q satisfaction at 3 months (Lippincott Journals).
5. Do implant-displacement “breast massages” really prevent capsular contracture?
Evidence is mixed. A 2017 literature review showed only moderate-quality support for daily massage, mainly in smooth, subglandular implants (PubMed Central). It’s low-risk if taught properly, but not mandatory.
6. How can I minimise scarring around my incision?
Silicone gel sheets or topical silicone remain the gold standard. Meta-analysis of 20 trials showed reduced scar height and erythema over 8–12 weeks of use (Lippincott Journals).
7. Do I need antibiotics after I leave the operating room?
Probably not. The American Society of Breast Surgeons’ consensus guideline recommends one IV dose within 60 min of incision; prolonged oral antibiotics offer no proven benefit and raise resistance concerns (American Society of Breast Surgeons).
8. Will smoking really delay my recovery?
Absolutely. A national database study found smokers had 2× the risk of wound complications after implant surgery (PubMed). Stop nicotine at least 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.
9. What should I eat and drink to heal faster?
Follow an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol: maltodextrin-based carbohydrate drink up to 2 h pre-op, then high-protein meals (≥ 1.5 g/kg/day) and early hydration starting the day of surgery. ERAS breast pathways link this to shorter stays and faster functional recovery (PubMed Central).
10. Is sleeping propped up really necessary?
Elevating your torso ~30° for the first week limits swelling and tension on the inframammary incision. While no RCT exists yet, surgeons consistently report less oedema and discomfort with this simple hack.
11. When should I start driving and lifting children or weights?
Most patients resume driving once they are off opioid analgesics and can perform an emergency stop—typically 5–7 days. Gradual lifting (< 5 kg) begins after 2 weeks; unrestricted lifting usually resumes after 6 weeks, provided pain-free full ROM is achieved (see FAQ 4 evidence).
12. How often do I need imaging for silent implant rupture?
The FDA advises a first ultrasound or MRI at 5–6 years, then every 2–3 years even if you feel fine (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Report sudden swelling, shape change, or systemic symptoms immediately.
Quick-Glance Recovery Timeline
| Day | Key actions |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Compression bra on, multimodal pain meds, short assisted walks |
| 3–7 | Gentle arm ROM, shower, start silicone dressing when incision sealed |
| 7–14 | Begin implant-displacement massage (if advised); light cardio at ≤ 50 % effort |
| 15–42 | Progress weights & aerobic load; transition to sports bra; taper meds |
| 6 months | Scar maturation—continue UV protection & silicone PRN |
| 5–6 years | First US/MRI for silent rupture |
References
- Backman M, Hassan-Nur M, Fridblom K, et al.
OptiBra study: A randomized controlled trial on optimal postoperative bra support after breast cancer surgery.
Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2023;63:102285.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102285 - Basile FV, Oliveira TS.
Exercise after Breast Augmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;149(1):18e–24e.
https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008676 - Afonso AM, Newman MI, Seeley N, et al.
Multimodal Analgesia in Breast Surgical Procedures: Technical and Pharmacological Considerations for Liposomal Bupivacaine Use.
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2017;5(9):e1480.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001480 - Ciftci B, Ekinci M, Celik EC, Karaaslan P, Tukac IC.
Ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block for pain control after breast augmentation: A randomized clinical study.
Braz J Anesthesiol. 2021;71(1):44–49.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2020.12.004 - Sood A, Xue EY, Sangiovanni C, Therattil PJ, Lee ES.
Breast Massage, Implant Displacement, and Prevention of Capsular Contracture After Breast Augmentation With Implants: A Review of the Literature.
Eplasty. 2017;17:e41.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749369/ - Meta-analysis of silicone gel sheeting and scar outcomes.
Silicone for Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jan.
https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000009043 - American Society of Breast Surgeons.
Consensus Guideline on Pre-operative Antibiotics and Surgical-Site Infection in Breast Surgery (2017, reaffirmed 2024).
https://breastsurgeons.org/docs/statements/Consensus-Guideline-on-Preoperative-Antibiotics-and-Surgical-Site-Infection-in-Breast-Surgery.pdf - Zucker I, Bouz A, Castro G, et al.
Smoking as a Risk Factor for Surgical-Site Complications in Implant-Based Breast Surgery.
Cureus. 2021;13(10):e18876.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.18876 - Consensus Review of Optimal Peri-operative Care in Breast Surgery.
J Clin Med. 2022;11(7):1889.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11071889 - U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Breast Implants—Certain Labelling Recommendations (Oct 27, 2021).
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/labeling-approved-breast-implants
(All URLs verified May 22 2025.)
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.