BDSM/nipple clamps after breast augmentation - how long do I need to wait?

Question

My doctor has been unhelpful outside of telling me 2 weeks minimum wait for any activity and start slow from there. I'm healing well and at the 3 week mark now, all pain/swellling/tightness has stopped since week 1. I'm wondering when I can reintroduce BDSM like nipple clamps?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It's always a pleasure to see a question that doesn't involve a problem! To be clear, if you only had a breast augmentation and not a breast lift, AND your incision is not around your areola, you may start now. Please please please be careful with sexual activity; it's not the clamp I worry about, it's the pressure on the breast mound from either body weight or a too forceful hand. Gentle with that!

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Even if you feel well at 3 weeks, the tissues around the breast pocket, nipple-areola complex, and incisions are still healing. Nipple clamps add focused pressure and can cause bruising, swelling, skin injury, altered sensation, or bleeding, so I would be more conservative than the minimum 2-week guidance for general activity.

In many patients, I would avoid strong nipple pressure, clamping, suction, or rough breast handling until at least 6 weeks after surgery, and longer if there is any tenderness, numbness, incision sensitivity, scabbing, delayed healing, or nipple sensation change. When cleared by your surgeon, restart very gently, for short periods, and stop immediately if there is pain, color change, swelling, drainage, bleeding, or new numbness. Because your surgeon knows your incision pattern and healing exam, their specific clearance should guide you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Celebrated92976,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

In my practice I would recommend minimum of 6 weeks to allow for healing, piercings, tattooing etc. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Generally speaking patients can resume strenuous activities after six weeks.  One caveat would be changes in sensation.  If you still have abnormal sensation, including numbness, reduced sensation or hypersensation of your breasts or nipples you will want to wait until that has returned fully due to risk of injury.  Still the best person to answer this is your surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest waiting at least 6 weeks because using the nipple clamps now may stir up residual bacteria inside your nipples and increase your chances of infection. It is best to avoid nipple clamps in after breast augmentation just because of the increased risks in stirring up bacteria that normally live inside nipples.  I also recommend avoiding nipple piercings and tattoos for the same reason.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I agree with your physician - wait 2 weeks minimum and start slowly from there - you are 3 weeks so you can begin slowly and progress as tolerated, however, if your incision is around your areola I recommend waiting for 6 weeks.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Nipple ischemia is unlikely from breast augmentation surgery.
Lot depends on augmentation approach or aware the incision is placed.
A peri-areolar incision should probably be allowed to heal six weeks before aggressive tugging on the skin.
Plastic surgeons will have different opinions in regards to activity after breast augmentation surgery.
I think most plastic surgeons would say to avoid aggressive behavior for the first six weeks at least.
I think what your provider told you is totally appropriate.
Use your own judgment and start off gradually.
It’s avoiding nipple clamps for an extra few weeks going to make that much difference in your life?
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

BDSM/nipple clamps after breast augmentation - how long do I need to wait?

Answers (8)

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