Background: Immediate tissue-expander breast reconstruction may be followed by pain, edema, upper-limb dysfunction, and scarrelated concerns that complicate postoperative recovery. Kinesiology taping (KT) is a low-cost, noninvasive adjunct, but evidence in this surgical setting remains limited.

Objective: To assess the feasibility, safety, and exploratory clinical outcomes of a standardized KT protocol after immediate unilateral tissue-expander breast reconstruction.

Methods: This randomized single-blind pilot trial was conducted at two tertiary referral hospitals from May 2023 to July 2024. Thirtyfour women undergoing immediate tissue-expander reconstruction were allocated to KT plus routine postoperative care (n=17) or routine postoperative care alone (n=17). Pilot domains included feasibility, adherence, retention, protocol completion, and adverse events. Exploratory outcomes included pain, DASH/QuickDASH, Vancouver Scar Scale, limb circumference and volume, drainage outcomes, grip strength, and FACT-B.

Results: All 34 randomized participants were included in the available analysis. KT was associated with lower pain scores during the first four postoperative weeks (p<0.005), improved DASH scores during the first three weeks (p<0.001), and better Vancouver Scar Scale scores from week 3 onward (p<0.001). Limb circumference and volume were reduced after four weeks (p=0.012 and p=0.015), but these differences were not maintained at 1-month follow-up (p>0.05). Grip strength, QuickDASH, and FACT-B did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Standardized KT appeared feasible and showed exploratory short-term benefits after immediate tissue-expander breast reconstruction. Larger prospectively registered trials are needed.