1. Rest and Activity
- Rest: Take it easy for the first few days and prioritize rest. Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Avoid arm movements: Minimize lifting your arms above shoulder level for the first 1–2 weeks.
- Lifting restrictions: Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 4–6 weeks.
- Walking: Begin on post-op day 1 to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Exercise: Avoid physical activity or exercises involving the chest for at least 4–6 weeks.
2. Wound Care and Dressing
- Bandages and dressings: Outer dressings can be removed before your first shower. Steri-strips (white tape) stay on for 2 weeks.
- Incision care: Keep incisions clean and moist — apply ointment/honey until completely healed, then begin scar tape for 3 months.
- Showers: You may shower 24–48 hours after surgery unless instructed otherwise. Gently pat incisions dry; avoid soaking (baths, swimming, sauna) for at least 4 weeks.
3. Compression Garment/Bra
- Wear a soft surgical-type bra continuously for the first 4–6 weeks.
- Avoid underwire and padded bras during the healing process, as they can irritate incisions.
4. Pain and Swelling Management
- Medications: Take pain medication, antibiotics, and any other prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Sleeping position: Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated (using pillows or a recliner) for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling and avoid pressure on your chest.
5. Diet and Hydration
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with healing.
- Light meals: Start with light meals to avoid nausea, especially if taking pain medications.
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine: Both can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
6. Scar Management
- Utilize silicone sheets, scar creams, and lasers.
- Protect scars from sunlight using sunscreen or clothing, as sun exposure can darken scars.
7. Signs to Watch For
Contact your surgeon immediately (call/text (714) 723-2756) if you notice:
- Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, increasing pain, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage at the incision site.
- Fever: A temperature over 101°F.
- Sudden changes: Significant asymmetry, increased firmness, or severe swelling in one breast.
- Fluid accumulation: Swelling with pain or a “water balloon” sensation.
- Shortness of breath: Any difficulty breathing should be treated as an emergency.
Healing Timeline
- 1–2 weeks: Initial swelling and bruising subside; you can resume light activities.
- 4–6 weeks: Most swelling resolves, and you can gradually return to regular activities, including exercise.
- 3–6 months: Final results become more apparent as swelling resolves, the implant has dropped, and scars begin to fade.
Exercise Timeline
Week 0–2: Rest + Gentle Movement
Focus: Healing, minimizing swelling, protecting implants.
- Allowed:
- Gentle walking (start a few days after surgery) to promote circulation.
- No lifting over 5–10 lbs, no arm raising above shoulder level.
- Avoid:
- Any chest, shoulder, or upper body exercise.
- Bouncing movements (running, jumping).
- Core work that strains chest muscles.
Week 2–4: Light Activity
Focus: Gradual mobility.
- Allowed:
- Walking longer distances or on an incline if comfortable.
- Gentle stretching of the lower body.
- Avoid:
- Arm or chest exercises.
- High-impact cardio.
- Heavy lifting or push/pull movements.
Week 4–6: Return to Light Workouts
Focus: Lower body + core reintroduction.
- Allowed:
- Stationary bike (no bouncing).
- Light lower-body strength (squats, lunges without heavy weights).
- Gentle core (planks, modified if approved).
- Avoid:
- Chest workouts (push-ups, bench press).
- Running unless cleared (can cause implant displacement early on).
Week 6–8: Gradual Upper Body Return
Focus: Slowly reintroduce upper body motion.
- Allowed (if cleared):
- Light resistance band or 2–5 lb weights for arms.
- Gradual shoulder mobility work.
- Low-impact cardio like elliptical or brisk walking.
- Avoid:
- Heavy chest or pectoral engagement until at least 8–12 weeks.
After 8–12 Weeks: Resume Most Exercise
Focus: Full-body return with modifications.
- Allowed:
- Running, HIIT, strength training, yoga, Pilates (as tolerated).
- Chest exercises can resume cautiously if implants are stable and pectoral swelling/tightness has resolved.
- Tip: Use high-support sports bras that limit breast motion and stabilize implants.
Beyond 3 Months
- Most patients can return to pre-surgery intensity, but may need to:
- Modify chest exercises (e.g., avoid heavy bench pressing with under-muscle implants).
- Use supportive bras during high-impact workouts long-term.
