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

• May 18, 2022
• By Fernando Amato

I just had breast implant surgery, can I wash my hair? I only sleep on my stomach and I just got silicone implants...is that a problem? These are some of the most frequent questions in the post-operative period and, therefore, the importance of leaving the surgery already with the answers and guidance from the specialist who will perform the surgery.

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

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

I am a great advocate of showering in the post-operative period, as long as it is well-guided, since surgery requires some care. These are not movement limitations because I work with my patients on this in the immediate post-operative period. Active movement is necessary, but it should be assisted, meaning someone is watching and helping to move the arm. Most patients undergoing 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 recommends that patients with long hair take advantage of going to the hairdresser to wash it. This brings comfort and tranquility in the post-operative period, especially in the first week. Ideally, someone should wash the patient's hair, so before the surgery, arrange with your mother, sister, or husband to accompany you during showers 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 stitching 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 with the bandage until the first post-surgical follow-up. Another option is taping, which can help with breast swelling and provide security to the patient.

• Can I drive after plastic surgery?

After breast surgery, there are some preventive restrictions. Steering 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 must be individualized and depends on each doctor's approach. I advise starting to drive after the third week following the procedure, but according to the evolution of the post-operative condition, being able 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 have had breast surgery... in the post-operative period, you need to sleep with your breasts facing up, 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 may suffer some type of compression and the silicone may move, compromising the results of the surgery.

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