How To Keep Your Breasts Perky After Implants

Breast augmentation is an investment—so it’s natural that you’ll want to enjoy your results for as long as possible. It’s an unavoidable fact, though, that all breasts naturally sag over time. Patients often ask how to keep their breasts perky after implants. Luckily, there are plenty of things patients can do to support their breast augmentation results.

I like to remind my Fort Worth patients that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Little changes can add up to big improvements. While many of these breast-supporting tips are common sense, a few might surprise you.

When can I wear a normal bra after breast augmentation?

First, we should define what’s meant by a normal bra. After wearing a soft medical bra for about a month after surgery, you can transition to more comfortable but not overly supportive bras. Avoid wearing push-up bras as they can do more harm than good for your breasts. Studies show that wearing bras with too much lift can weaken the supportive ligaments and muscles. This can potentially speed up the aging process, as your muscles won’t be able to handle the weight of your breasts on their own.

Breast Implant Before and After Photos

You can see more real patient results by browsing our gallery of breast augmentation before and after photos.

Watch your posture

Sitting with poor posture can cause your breasts to pull forward for extended periods of time—potentially causing them to sag. Try to stand up straight and avoid hunching or rounding your shoulders. Another added benefit: good posture can make you look taller and thinner!

How to sleep after breast augmentation

Your main goals when choosing a sleep position are to avoid putting too much pressure on your implants, avoid putting stress on your incisions, and get a good night’s rest. This essentially means sleeping on your back with your upper body supported by a couple of pillows or in a recliner. Sleeping on your back provides the ligaments support and reduces the pull of gravity.

This position can be difficult to get used to, which is why many of our patients ask, “When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?” and related questions like, “When can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?”

I recommend that my patients sleep on their backs for 4 to 6 weeks after the breast augmentation procedure, which provides enough time for the pocket to fully heal around the implants, ensuring the implants don’t droop or shift to the side during the healing process and remain looking perky. Around this time is also when you can sleep without wearing your medical bra.

Take good care of your skin

It’s fairly common to have flaky, dry skin after breast augmentation surgery, so good skincare habits are just as important for the breasts as they are for your face. After all, the skin is our largest organ but also one of the most delicate parts of the body. Using a high-quality moisturizer will help the breast skin remain soft, but avoid applying it to the incisions until they have fully healed.

Sun exposure can damage and stretch out tissue, so don’t sunbathe or tan excessively. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you’re outside and wear protective clothing when necessary. While it may be tempting to choose a tan over skin safety, know that your body will thank you in the long run.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Smoking and drinking can dry out your skin and hair, so cut back on these habits when possible. Also, avoid “yo-yo dieting” as extreme weight changes can break down the elasticity in your skin. Try to keep at a consistent weight via healthy food and proper exercise. Give your body the nutrient-dense fuel it needs to keep your skin and muscles strong.

Active patients often ask, “When can I lift weights after getting breast implants?” The answer will depend on your individual healing rate, but most women can expect to return to their full exercise regimes in 6 to 8 weeks. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can advise you on your particular case.

Monitor Your Implants

You should always follow the guidelines for annual checkups, as well as performing regular self-checks. If you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends getting an MRI 5 to 6 years after the initial surgery and then every 2 to 3 years after that. Taking proper care of your implants can help you extend the life of your new look and give you more time before you are likely to require breast implant replacement.

Take the Next Step

All bodies change a bit over time. But by making smart decisions after your breast augmentation, your implants will look great for years to come. If you would like to learn more about breast implants and breast augmentation surgery, request a consultation using the online form or call (817) 228-4315. We also encourage you to read our previous blog post for a comprehensive guide to breast implants.

Updated 2024