Breast Implants - Post Operative Care

You will need to wear a comfortable sports bra all the time (even when you sleep) for the first 2 weeks. You do not need to wear it when you shower. It should be supportive but not tight or dig in. The bra you used when you were trying out what size of implants may be fine but sometimes you may need to get a different size. If the bra you bring in doesn't fit, don't worry you will be given a binder, which you can use until you get the appropriate size. After 2 weeks you only need to wear the bra during the day. After 6 weeks you can wear normal bras, including underwired ones. With regards to the type of bra, it just needs to be a simple non-padded sports bra. Some people prefer front opening ones as they are easier to put on and take off. This is important, as you may be a bit sore afterwards and you need something that is easy to manage. 

Take your painkillers regularly. It is important that you are as comfortable as possible. It is also important to realise that if you try to do too much, your pain will get worse, 
so be guided by this.

You should take it easy for the first 2 weeks after surgery. That means NO DRIVING, NO GYM, NO HEAVY LIFTING OR STRETCHING. It may also be beneficial to avoid sexual activity. This is to avoid the implants moving out of position. After 2 weeks you can gently start doing a little more so that you are doing normal day to day activity by 4 weeks. You shouldn't do any vigorous sporting activity for up to 6 weeks. If in doubt, ask Mr Dheansa.

After 1 week you can gently massage your breasts (except for the wound/dressing) using simple moisturising cream (for example E45, but you can use anything). Use gentle circular movements to get your breasts used to being touched This will help the sensation return. After 2-3 weeks you can be a little firmer. The scars should be left alone until after 6-8 weeks as these will be covered.

Once the dressings come off the wounds (generally Mr Dheansa advises to let the tapes fall off by themselves) you should apply Micropore tape to the scar for 6-8 weeks. You can leave it intact and only change it if it is falling off. You can shower with it on – just pass a cool hairdryer over the tape afterwards to get it dry.