Recovery & complication prevention

Hospital stay (days 1–3)

1. Bed rest in a semi-reclined position — don't lie flat on the implants; no lifting, raising or spreading the arms, no carrying;
2. The suction drain is monitored for colour and volume — it usually comes out once output falls below 20 ml over 24–48 hours;
3. Ice packs for swelling: 15–20 minutes at a time, an hour apart;
4. Antibiotics and anti-swelling/pain medication as prescribed; report fever, bleeding at the site, or worsening redness immediately.

Short-term recovery (week 1 to month 1)

1. Medical compression bra worn 24 hours a day (except showering) for a full month — it fixes the implant position;
2. Arm activity builds gradually: no raising above shoulder height in week 1; light activity from week 2; no heavy lifting, big chest-opening movements, or high-intensity yoga within the month;
3. Keep incisions dry and clean; no water for 3 days after suture removal; scar-care products may be applied;
4. Diet: strictly no spicy food, seafood, tobacco or alcohol; high-protein food supports healing;
5. No breast massage in the early phase — after dual-plane augmentation, early massage stimulates capsule formation; the old "massage after surgery" doctrine is obsolete. Follow the surgeon's instructions only.

Long-term recovery (months 1–6)

1. Normal daily activities from 1 month; no strenuous sport, swimming or chest training within 3 months;
2. Follow-up breast ultrasounds at 1, 3 and 6 months to check implant position and the capsule;
3. No saunas or hot compresses on the chest within 3 months;
4. By 6 months the capsule has fully softened — feel and shape are stable, and normal life and sport resume.

How the main complications are prevented

Complication	Prevention
Capsular contracture	Thorough intraoperative haemostasis and pocket irrigation; no early massage; minimal foreign-body irritation — and the dual-plane approach itself lowers the rate
Implant displacement	Symmetrical pocket dissection; strict compression-bra fixation; restricted arm movement early on
Infection	Sterile technique and a proper antibiotic course; any redness-heat-pain or fever → seek care immediately
Reduced nipple sensation	Intercostal nerves protected during surgery; numbness is usually temporary and resolves in 3–6 months; permanent loss is very rare

If anything feels wrong at any point, contact the surgical team or your coordinator first — don't self-treat.