Breast Post-Op: Can you drive, wash your hair, and wear a bra?

• May 18, 2022
• By Fernando Amato

I just had a breast implant, can I wash my hair? I only sleep on my stomach and just had implants…is there a problem? These are some of the most frequent questions in the post-operative period, and that's why it's important to leave the surgery with the answers and guidance from the specialist who performed the surgery.

Below, I present the guidelines I usually give my patients, but remembering that all guidance is personalized, as it depends on the patient and the surgery performed.”

• After breast surgery, can I shower and wash my hair?

I am a strong advocate for showering in the post-operative period, as long as it is well-guided, since surgery requires certain precautions. These are not limitations of movement because I work with my patients on this in the immediate post-operative period. Active movement is necessary, but assisted, meaning someone is watching and helping to move the arm. Most patients who undergo breast surgery are afraid that something will happen to the implant and end up keeping their arms glued to their sides, which causes tension in the shoulders and can even lead to shoulder joint stiffness.

Hair can also be washed, but with caution regarding arm movements. The doctor's recommendation is that patients with long hair should take advantage of going to the hairdresser to have their hair washed. It brings comfort and peace of mind in the post-operative period, especially in the first week. Ideally, someone should wash the patient's hair, so before surgery, arrange with your mother, sister, or husband to assist with baths in the post-operative period.

• Is there a specific bra to wear after surgery?

I prefer to recommend the post-operative bra, which is one where the seam is on the outside, providing more comfort to the patient. But the specialist explains that this indication depends on the surgery performed.

In addition to the bra, there is the possibility of bandaging around the patient's chest, which remains until the first post-surgical follow-up. Another option is taping, which can help reduce breast swelling and provide security to the patient.

• Can I drive after plastic surgery?

After breast surgery, there are some preventive restrictions. The movement behind the wheel is possible, but the recommendation is not to drive. Sometimes, there might be a sudden movement, a stronger brake, which can open stitches or even cause bleeding. The recommendation should be individualized and depends on each doctor's approach. I advise starting to drive after the third week after the procedure, but according to the evolution of the post-operative period, it might be possible to return to driving only after a month and a half.

• What is the most recommended sleeping position after breast surgery?

For those who like to sleep on their stomach but had breast surgery… in the post-operative period, it is necessary to sleep with the breast facing upwards, and for people who are not used to it, this can be uncomfortable.

But we have some alternatives: together with a team of physical therapists, I help the patient find a more comfortable position that does not harm the breast surgery. One of these positions can be on the side, supported by pillows, so that the breast does not experience any lateral compression. The danger of some sleeping positions in the post-operative period is that the breast might suffer some type of compression and the implant might move, harming the results of the surgery.

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