How long should I wear a compression vest?
• Wear it continuously for the first four weeks, then nights-only until week six. This helps control swelling, pain and contour irregularities.
Are drains necessary?
• In most grades I–III cases, drains can be safely omitted, reducing operating time and postoperative discomfort.
Best pain-control plan?
• Combine a single-shot pectoral (PECS II) nerve block with scheduled NSAIDs and acetaminophen for effective multimodal analgesia and minimal opioid use.
When can I return to the gym?
• Light cardio is usually safe at two weeks, lower-body weights at four weeks, and chest workouts after six weeks, provided swelling is minimal and you have pain-free range of motion.
Should I massage the chest or use foam pads?
• Gentle massage and foam pads from day seven may reduce scar tethering and “crater” deformities; many surgeons recommend them when properly taught.
How do I minimise scars?
• Apply silicone gel sheets or silicone ointment for 8–12 weeks, starting about two weeks post-op once the incision has fully sealed.
When can I shower, drive and return to work?
• Most patients can shower on day three, drive and resume desk work by day five to seven (once off narcotics and lifting less than 5 kg).
Does smoking raise complication risk?
• Yes. Quitting at least four weeks before surgery and for two weeks after significantly reduces wound and medical complications.
How common are seroma, hematoma and revision?
• Modern layered-closure techniques report hematoma in under 2 %, seroma in about 1 % and revision for contour issues in under 1 %.
Will the results last long-term?
• Results remain stable for most patients when liposuction is combined with gland excision and, if needed, skin tightening—assuming weight and hormones remain stable.
Diet & lifestyle for faster healing?
• Aim for at least 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, stay well hydrated, and take brief walks on the same day as surgery.
When should I call my surgeon?
• Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience sudden one-sided swelling, a rapidly enlarging bruise, a fever over 38 °C, or sharp chest pain.
QUICK-GLANCE TIMELINE
| Period | Key actions |
|---|---|
| Days 0–2 | Vest 24/7; short walks; scheduled non-opioid meds |
| Days 3–7 | First shower; gentle arm ROM; start silicone when sealed |
| Week 1–2 | Begin massage + foam pads; light walking/bike; desk work |
| Weeks 2–4 | Cardio ≤ 50 % effort; lower-body weights; vest nights-only after week 4 |
| Week 6 | Chest/upper-body weights; contact sports if pain-free |
| 3–6 months | Scar maturation; UV protection; consider steroid if hypertrophic |
| Yearly | Clinical exam; ultrasound if any lump/asymmetry |
KEY REFERENCES (with live DOI links)
• Ormseth BH 2023. PRS Glob Open 11:e5293. doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005293
• Keskin M 2014. Aesthet Surg J 34:538. doi.org/10.1177/1090820X14526598
• Rashad MM 2022. Ain-Shams J Anesthesiol 14:97. doi.org/10.1186/s42077-022-00295-2
• Caridi RC 2022. PRS Glob Open 10:e4256. doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000004256
• Goel A 2024. Indian J Plast Surg 57:455. doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1789005
• Goltsman D 2017. Plast Reconstr Surg 139:503. doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002958
• Review of scar management. Medicina 2025 61:553. doi.org/10.3390/medicina6100553
Disclaimer: Educational content only; follow your own surgeon’s instructions.
Key words :
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