Underwire bra after breast implants is a common question

The use of an under-wire bra is a common question asked by many of my patients. Depending on the placement of an implant (sub-muscular or sub-glandular) I normally recommend that my patients refrain from wearing an under wire bra for a few weeks to a few months post-operatively. The pressure points from the under-wire can cause pain and discomfort initially.

I recommend you purchase some sports bras to wear at first. It is important to remember that the ultimate shape of your breast will change as you heal from surgery. Many patients are anxious to run out the next day after surgery to Victoria Secrets and buy new bras. Be patient and let your breasts settle and heal before buying new bras. Once that has occurred I suggest you go for a new fitting to ensure that the new bras you buy fit well.

During the early post-op period I do not recommend wearing underwire bras.  Mainly because if I have used a fold incision, the wire can dig into the incision and cause damage.  Another reason is that in some patients the skin of the breast is numb initially after surgery, and again, they may not feel the bra digging into their skin.  At 1 year out if everything is normal in terms of sensation and the scar is well healed, I don't see a problem wearing them.

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