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Underwire Bra and Breast Implants, Safe?

asked 3 years ago by kaydee in Ontario,Canada
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 38,554 times
Tags: bra, safety

I have have saline implants for nearly 1yr. Is it ok to wear underwire bras at this point? Just recently I am finding it painful ...obviously,if it hurts Im going to stop wearing the underwire lol..But I was wondering if I shouldnt be wearing them Ever??Thanks for your help.

47 answers to Underwire Bra and Breast Implants, Safe?

+7

Underwire bras are fine after breast augmentation as long as all scars are soft

Breast implants are often inserted by way of an incision in the inframammary fold (the crease underneath the breast). This is also where the bottom of your bra sits, regardless of whether your bra has underwire. It takes up to a year for all scars to be completely "mature" after any surgery. A mature scar is soft, flat and faded, and will tolerate pressure over top such as underwire. I counsel my patients that they can definitely wear their own bra (or buy... more
Karen M. Horton, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.drkarenhorton.com

+4

You should wait about two months before wearing underwire bras

Since under wire bras tend to push up the breast implants, we recommend that are patients don't wear them for about two months after surgery. In most women the breasts have settled adequately during this time period, after which time there would be no restrictions. Sometimes I have my patients wear under wire earlier in order to prevent premature settling of the implants.
S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+4

Underwire Bra after Breast Augmentation

  I recommend waiting 6 weeks after surgery before wearing bras with underwires. Underwire bras are safe after breast augmentation If you are having pain, your bra is not fitting properly: go to a bra specialty store (NOT Victoria's Secret!) and get fit by a professional.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+4

Bras after breast augmentation in Dallas

I allow my patients to wear underwire bras one month after surgery.  Even push up's are fine.  Make sure it's not too tight.  You just had them made larger, don't try to smash them down.  After surgery you'll be needing new bras so make sure they fit. Best wishes.
Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+4

At one year after having breast augmentation, it should...

At one year after having breast augmentation, it should be fine to wear an underwire bra. For the first few weeks after surgery, I ask my patients to not wear an underwire bra if we placed the incision underneath the breast in the crease. But after everything heals, you shouldn't hurt it by wearing an underwire. If you do notice pain, irritation, or redness around your incision, you should see your surgeon first and make sure they are okay with how things are looking.
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+3

Underwire bra after breast augmentation

Thanks for your question - Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures we perform in our Bay Area practice. Implants can be placed through axillary (armpit), areolar (the darker skin surround the nipple) or IMF (breast fold) incisions. Underwire bras can put pressure on the inframammary fold (IMF) incisions. We typically ask our patient to wait about 1 month before wearing underwire bra when we use an inframammary fold incision. I hope this helps.
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Different bras 1 year after breast augmentation. Make sure to get fitted.

One year after surgery should be enough time before you wear an underwire bra.  If your implants have settled, you should be OK.  Are you wearing the correct size?  If one bra offers discomfort, try various others.  Go to a good boutique or a high end department store like Nordstrom and they will be able to help  you find something appropriate.  Ask you surgeon before wearing anything that majorly pushes you up.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire Bras after Breast Implant Surgery

After breast enlargement surgery has been completed and breast implants settled in their new position, there are no contraindications to wearing underwire bra. Immediately after breast augmentation surgery the implants need to settle. They usually settle in a downward direction. That is why a lot of plastic surgeons use special push down dressings to prevent the breast implants from riding up upwards. Wearing underwire bra prior to 6-12 weeks, or before breast implants... more
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra and breast augmentation

I generally do not recommend an underwire bra for about 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation.  Once a patient is completely healed and I feel their postoperative swelling has resolved, they are cleared to resume activity as tolerated and wear whatever they desire.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+2

Underwire bra after implants

Underwire bras are safe after implants.  You may wear one as early as several weeks following implant placement depending your your specific surgeon's recommendations.  It is important to find one that  fits your inframammary fold.  A well fitted bra should not give you pain.  The discomfort may be due to a poor underwire contour in relation to your own inframammary fold. 
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

It is OK to wear an underwire bra six weeks after surgery...

Normally it is recommended to start wearing an underwire bra 6 weeks after surgery. If you are experiencing any discomfort it may be because of the bra itself. You might want to try changing bras to see which fits most comfortably. If you are still feeling  discomfort I would make an appointment to see your surgeon to check the incision sites.
Shain A. Cuber, MD

Marlboro Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after breast implants

If the bra is uncomfortable it may be the curve of the underwire does not match the curve of your implanted breast.  The underwire will not injure the implant per se.  I recommend finding a better fitting underwire bra or going with a bra without an underwire.  The Le Mystere No. 9 bra is comfortable for patients with implants.
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wire would you want to?

I agree with the others who say to wait until the implants drop before considering an under wire bra.  Afterwards, the only concern is whether it irritates the scar in the crease. If you don't need an under wire bra for a good fit, my choice is to avoid them.  On the other hand, if you need them in order to get a good fit, then go right ahead.
Brian K. Brzowski, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.brzowski.com

+2

Underwire Bra Post-Breast Aug

For my patients, I typically use an inframammary or breast fold incision. Because this area needs to heal and therefore must not be irritated by the underwire, I have patient wait approximately 6-8 weeks before they are allowed (and many times comfortable) to wear an underwire bra. Have your surgeon review with you his/her protocols and bring your bras to the office to have them evaluated and "fit" for you. There are a number of "acceptable" bra design with wires and a... more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wearing an underwire bra after breast implants

Patients can start wearing underwire bras six months post surgery. The particular bra that you are wearing may be the actual cause of discomfort. If you want to wear an underwire bra, you could try a different brand or style. 
Usha Rajagopal, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

+2

Underwire bra after breast augmentation

Yes, you can wear an underwire bra after breast augmentation-as early as four weeks after surgery.  If your incision was made in the inframammary crease (fold under your breast) you may feel some discomfort due to the pressure directly on the incision and may want to wait a few more weeks before trying the underwire.  The sensation around the breast may not be normal immediately after surgery and you may not be aware of the tension that the wire may be placing on your skin... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwires and breast implants: the two go well together, but not right away

One your implants have fully settled into a good position, then you are fine to wear an underwire.  Have fun shopping for more new bras!
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Bras after breast augmentation

After breast augmentation, I typically counsel patients not to wear any bra with an underwire for 6 weeks.  This time allows for the implant to settle and the incision (if inframammary) to heal well.  So at the one year mark, it is definitely okay to wear a bra with an underwire.  Now if you had an inframammary incision, it is possible that the scar may still be slightly tender as scars can take 6-12 months to mature.  If your scar has thickened some, it can definitely be... more
Naveen Setty, MD

Plano Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bras are safe after breast augmentation.

Underwire bras are safe after breast augmentation but I usually counsel patients not to use them for the first 4-6 weeks because it can irritate the incision and prevent the implant from positioning correctly.  By now there is no harm in using an underwire bra.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

It is safe, and actually encouraged, for you to wear an underwire bra after augmentation

For the first few months following breast augmentation, most patients will notice that their implants are too high.  During this time, it is best not to provide substantial support to the breasts to encourage the implants to eventually make their way to an appropriate position within the pocket.  At that point, around 2 months following surgery, it is recommended that you wear an underwire bra to keep the implants from sliding any further down.  In addition, over time it is... more
Gregory A. Buford, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after surgery

Kaydee- If it is comfortable for you to wear an underwire bra, by all means it is perfectly safe. If you are having some discomfort or reservations about the tenderness of your scar or its placement, that is another story. Your surgeon is there to help you, so speak with them about your questions and concerns.
Joseph G. Bauer, MD

Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Bra choice after breast implants

It is perfectly safe to wear under-wire bra after breast augmentation, especially after the first 2-3 weeks.  It is uncommon to experience pain with under-wire bra.  On occasion when patients loose significant a=mount of weight the tissues get thin and one can experience some discomfort when the wire pushes against the implants.  For vast majority of our patients there is no restriction on the bra type.  It is important for the surgeon to assess the type of breast tissue... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

Okay to wear an underwire bra after breast augmentation

The only consequence of wearing an under-wire bra after breast augmentation surgery is discomfort from the under-wire when it is contact with a healing incision below the breast. For patients with an armpit or areolar incision, there is no reason to limit under-wire bra wearing. I tell my patients to resume wearing an under-wire bra at 2 weeks post-op. At this time point, most patients are comfortable wearing this type of bra. The presence of an under-wire will have no impact on long term... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after augmentation.

An underwire bra is simply helps support the breasts and should be fine after augmentation if worn appropriately. If there is concern of upward displacement of the implants, I use a bandeau across the upper portion of the breasts. This is simply a velcro strap which prevents the implants from rising. After 4-6 weeks, the implants are much less likely to "ride up" and even push up bras are okay. After a year, I see no reason why you cannot wear an underwire bra. If you... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+2

Underwire bras and breast implants - breast surgery

Underwire bras can move breast implants superiorly in the initial phase of healing after surgery.  I recommend that patients avoid underwire bras for 3-6 months after surgery. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after breast augmentation

Patients are recommended to stay away from underwire bras until they are completely healed, typically 6-8 weeks after surgery.  If there is a problem with healing or with scars, an underwire bra may irritate the area.  All scars take 6-12 months to heal, so there is a possibility for sensitivity to that area even 3 months later. 
James Barber, MD

Pittsburgh Plastic Surgeon
+2

There is no problem in wearing an underwire bra at any point if it is comfortable

I do not believe that wearing an underwire bra is a problem at any point after an augmentation. However, some patients may find the pressure from the wires to be uncomfortable and will therefore choose not to wear one until they are no longer painful.
David A. Ross, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Is it ok to wear underwire bras after breast augmentation.

The only time I don't recommend an underwire bra is in the first six weeks after surgery. After that initial healing time I let the patients wear underwire if they so desire, provided the bra is properly fitted so that it matches the shape of the augmented breast. For example an old underwire bra may not be appropriate after augmentation.
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wearing an underwire bra after breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States because it can provide women with a consistent way to change the size and shape of their breast. This procedure may be done in a number of ways. If the implant is placed below the muscle, at the beginning of the healing process the implant may be in a high position. The implant will fall to its final position as the press continues to heal. For this reason, we recommend that patients do not wear an underwire bra... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after breast augementation

After a year, there is no reason to not wear an underwire bra - unless it hurts!  Right after surgery, an underwire bra may hold the implant higher than it needs to be and result in the implant staying too high.  This is especially true with an implant placed under the muscle as more time may be needed for the implant to "drop" or stretch the tight lower skin and muscle.  Occasionally, an implant may be too low, and an underwire bra is recommended! more
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+2

It's okay to wear an underwire after breast augmentation.

It's perfectly okay to wear an underwire after breast augmentation.  If the incision is in the inframmary fold, one should be sure that the bra is not irritating the incision if it is still is the phase of scar maturation.  Most patients would not move into an underwire bra until 6 weeks or so after surgery. 
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Safe to wear an underwire bra after a few weeks

If your incision is underneath the breast (inframammary) I ask patients to wait about 6 weeks before starting to wear under-wire bras If the incision is around the edge of the nipple they can start wearing under wire bras immediately after surgery. I give patients a post surgical bra for the first few days that is softer and more comfortable to use until the soreness is gone (usually 5 -7 days). If you are still having soreness one year after surgery with an underwire bra I would see your... more
David L. Mobley, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon

sarasotaplasticsurgery.com

+2

Wait a couple of months to wear an underwire bra

If you have breast implants placed through an inframammary incision (in the crease beneath the breasts), you should probably avoid underwire bras for about 2 to 3 months. If you have an underwire bra that you really like, you can simply snip the corners and pull out the wires.
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra safe after complete healing

I let all my patients weear an underwire bra, 6-8 weeks after the surgery. If the incision is periarealaar then they can wear it the same day of the surgery.
Michael Weinberg, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bras after breast augmentation

The restriction on underwire bras after breast augmentation is based upon your incision type. If the incision was made in the fold under the breasts you should avoid underwire bras for a few weeks to months after surgery. At one year it should be just fine to wear an underwire bra. If your incisions are at the edge of the areolae, in the underarm, or in the belly button, you can wear underwire bras quite soon after surgery. Some surgeons might not restrict you at all. If you're still having... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

A well-fitting underwire bra after breast augmentation

Typically, it's okay to wear an underwire bra about 5-6 weeks from the date of your surgery. In fact, in my experience the support contributed by a well-fitting underwire bra helps slow down the normal sag of the breast that occurs with aging and may also help prevent malposition of the implant if it is underneath the pectoralis muscle. That being said, there are many causes for the irritation you describe including costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the rib cartilage in the area.... more
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire Bra and Breast Augmentation

Assuming the bra was properly fitted, there is NO FUNCTIONAL reason why you should not be able to wear an underwire bra as far as 1 year from your breast augmentation. While every surgeon has different reasons for not allow the wearing of an underwire bra, such reasons have to do with maintaining the original implant pocket, allowing natural drooping of the breasts and preventing damage to a fold incision. NONE of these considerations are valid a year after the surgery. Dr. P. Aldea more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wear any bra after breast augmentation.

Hi. In Manhattan, we tell our patients who get breast implants that, after 3 weeks from surgery, they can wear any bra they want, including underwire.  But don't wear a bra that hurts!
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Bra wearing after breast augmentation

You are able to wear a regular bra with push-up and underwire a few months post-op breast augmentation surgery. Wait till you have full sensation underneath the breasts before you wear underwire. Some patients experience numbness in the area for a couple weeks after surgery.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

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... more
Robert Vitolo, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Treat yourself to a better fitting bra

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to wear an underwire bra, one year after your saline breast aug. Moreover, wearing a good supportive bra will help preserve your aesthetic results. Have you ever found any attractive, nonunderwire bras? I don't think they exist, unless you shop in the preteen or Playtex section! Le Mystere No 9 is a great line, which is especially designed for the augmented woman. There are some websites which feature a full range of bras (Felina, Chantelle),... more
Lavinia Chong, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Push up bra after Breast Augmentation

I usually allow my patients to start wearing a regular bra at 8 weeks. A push up bra, I generally discourage that until the implants have settled, which is at about 4 months time. At that point I feel that it is okay. Hope that answers your question.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wearing an underwire bra after the first few weeks should be fine.

I have my patients wear a sports bra 24 hours/day (except to shower) the first 3 weeks.  After this, I allow my patients to wear an underwire bra as long as it is comfortable for them even if they have an inframammary incision.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Underwire bra after implants

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.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

You should be able to wear an underwire if you want to...

You should be able to wear an underwire if you want to do so. I allow my patients to start at 2 weeks after surgery even if they have an incision in the crease. I have never seen a patient yet who has a problem with that plan even though I used to be more hesitant to allow the underwire.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Underwire Bra After Breast Augmentation

I generally request that patients avoid wearing an underwire bra for 3 months after surgery. This is to avoid rubbing on the scar or on sensitive skin early after the operation, and to prevent pushing the implants up too high. By one year, most patients should be able to tolerate an underwire bra. If you cannot, I wonder if you have a hypertrophic scar or a small nerve scar. Another option is the new support bra that doesn't;t use wire. Treat yourself to fitting by a... more
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

When to Resume Wearing Normal Bras After Breast Augmentation

After breast augmentation, it is typically recommended to wear bras with no underwire for 6-8 weeks to be sure that the breast heals and the implant settles into place properly. After that time patients are able to go back to wearing bras with underwire. 
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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