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Should I Wear Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation?

asked 2 years ago by nurcan in miami florida
Latest answer by Jaime Perez MD
Question viewed 35,372 times
Tags: aftercare

My doctor told me not to wear any surgical bra. I'm going to have my breast implants surgery in 2 days and everybody I knew wore a surgical bra after surgery. However, my doctor to wear nothing but looseshirt for 3 weeks. Would you please tell me is that good or bad? Thank you very much.

33 answers to Should I Wear Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation?

+3

Most do use a bra after surgery

I do use a surgical bra after surgery and it is mainly to provide support and comfort which helps with pain control. Not all surgeons will have the same prefences, however. Also, not all patients do either. Although most patients like wearing the surgical bra and feel more supported with it on, some feel constricted and do better without any bra. So discuss with your surgeon what their routine is and adjust it to your preferences as well.
Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+3

Wearing surgical bra after breast augmentation

Excellent question which demonstrates just how much opinions diverge among us. I personally see NO technical or medical scientific reason to use surgical bras in the immediate postoperative period with the vast majority of breast augmentations. My patients do not have dressings that need to be held on and they are MUCH more comfortable without bras (or the use of bandeaux). After all, why would ANYONE with freshly augmented breasts enjoy the additional pressure of a surgical bra on their... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rationale for bra use

Every instruction should have a purpose and rationale. Immediately post-op, a bra is usually used to protect the tissues, hold dressings in place, and prevent extra movement of the implants. Pain can be helped with the bra. However, some patients will have more discomfort with a tight bra pressing the surgical area and then the bra may not be helpful. If your surgeon thinks the implants will help stretch the soft tissues and needs the implants to settle, he might want the implants to... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Wearing a Bra after Surgery-Follow your doctors advice

In the majority of patients having Breast augmentation the use of a bra after surgery likely makes no difference in the long term result. I will often give patients a choice. Some patients will feel more comfortable with the support of a post-surgical bra.
John E. Gross, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Bra Post Surgery

A surgical bra is not necessary for a good result after surgery. It is surgeons preference whether or not to use a bra post surgery. Most of the time with breast augmentation I use an ace bandage to hold breasts in place and reduce swelling on the upper part of the breast. Again, this is surgeon's preference.
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

I like using the surgical bra for my patients

Most of my patients wear a surgical bra after bra augmentation to help support the breasts, reduce post-op swelling and help reinforce support. I don’t like extra weight of the implants applying pressure to a new incision. I have found it helpful in my practice.
Christine Rodgers, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wearing a Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation

The main rationale for using a surgical bra after breast augmentation is for comfort only. I tell my patients that if they are comfortable with a sports type of surgical bra they should use it. They can also wear a camisole or no bra at all. The main thing is for you to be comfortable. I certainly do not recommend an underwire bra for the first 4 weeks.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bra after Breast surgery

Thank you for the question. I would suggest that once you choose your plastic surgeon (hopefully having developed confidence that he/she will take good care of you) that you comply with his/her recommendations regarding bra use etc. Hopefully you'll be able to communicate your questions concerns directly with your plastic surgeon to understand the rationale behind his/her recommendations. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Surgical bra?

I think the use of a surgical bra makes sense and is truly the standard of care. The support provided will make you more comfortable, and some mild compression is advantageous to help reduce swelling and movement in the early post-operative period.
Scott E. Newman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.psurgery.com

+1

Should a bra or garment be worn after a breast augmentation?

Hello, There is no right or wrong answer to this question. I place my patients in a loose surgical bra just because its nice to have something covering the surgical site from a visual standpoint but there is no specific need for it. Follow your plastic surgeons advice, however, realize that you'll be wearing or not wearing something mainly to make your plastic surgeon feel better :). All the best, Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+1

What to wear after breast augmentation

Your doctors preference for no bra after augmentation is unusual. Most docs insist on a comfortable but firm bra all the time including when sleeping. However, there must be a good reason for this in his/her eyes. Deserves a discussion. Is your surgeon board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? All the best, Talmage J. Raine MD FACS
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Bra Following Surgery

I do not place surgical bras on my patients following breast surgery. All implants ride high initially due to swelling in the lower portion of the breast. Implants descend as the swelling abates. If patients desire some support or coverage, I recommend that they use a sports bra for a few weeks. Having tried many, I find surgical bras to fit poorly and offer little other than a means to secure gauze without tape. I prefer to cover my wounds with surgical glue... more
Brian M. Braithwaite, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post Operative Breast Surgery

Every Surgeon has a protocol for their patients. If you have researched your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and trust in his/her ability to perform your surgical procedure, you should ask your surgeon and trust in his/her answer.  I have my patients wear their surgical bra until their first post-op visit at which time they are able to switch to a sports bra. Talk with your surgeon about your concerns. Best wishes!
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical bra after breast augmentation

We always send our patients home in a surgical bra and instruct them not to remove it until their post op visit. 
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical bra after breeast augmentaion

We send patients home in a surgical bra.  We then will have them switch over to a sports bra after that.  Most patients like the support and that there is no under-wire cutting into them.  I look at is like a splint, giving support and also having the implants scar in where we want them to.  Each case is different, and many plastic surgeons have different protocols.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Bras after Augmentation

I recommend a surgical bra to all of my patients. The bra provides the patient with some comfort as well as holding the dressing in place. All of my patients also wear a support strap for 1 week.This helps keep the implants in place. Every surgeon has their preferences, and I recommend you talk to your surgeon and ask questions.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Should you wear a surgical bra following augmentation?

Generally, it is a good idea to wear a surgical bra for the first several weeks following augmentation.  Mostly, this recommendation is for your comfort following the procedure, because the bra helps reduce swelling, and it supports the weight of the implant while you are healing.  It probably doesn't change the outcome significantly.  If your surgical bra is uncomfortable, or becomes too tight in the first several days after surgery due to swelling, you may find it... more
Amy M. Sprole, MD

Wichita Plastic Surgeon
+1

A surgical bra is for comfort only after breast augmentation.

A surgical bra is not necessary for a good result after surgery.  I provide one to all my patients because it will hold the dressing in place and usually provides some comfort by immobilizing the breasts.  However, your surgeon is factual is stating that it is not necessary.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

What to do with your breasts after surgery?

Every patient is different, and the post operative care regime must be customized for every patient.  For some operations, the post operative care is more important than the actual surgery!  (Hand surgery is the most clear example.  If you don't follow thru with the physical therapy after some operations, you will get zero benefit from the operation!)  With breast augmentation surgery, the care after the operation is used to "tweak" implant position.... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Follow your surgeon's recommendations

Each surgeon has developed a postoperative routine that they find works for them and optimizes the results for their patients. I use a soft bra after breast augmentation. However, some very good surgeons do not use a bra. Hopefully, you chose your surgeon because he is a board-certified plastic surgeon who you feel comfortable with and whose results you have reviewed and liked. If so, trust him now that you've committed to the procedure and let him guide you through the recovery. Good... more
Parham Ganchi, MD

Wayne Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation

The natural course of breast augmentation is for the implants to "ride high" initially after surgery. This is due to the tightness of the breast tissue. As the tissues expand and accept the implant the implants will move down. However, gravity isn't always enough and without help the implants can remain high. If the capsule develops with the implants in the high position then only surgery will get them to move down. A surgical bra with a strap over the top that helps get the... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

www.hessplasticsurgery.com

+1

To bra or not to bra after breast augmentation

The bra is used for implant support and sometimes comfort. Many times the bra doesn't fit that well since surgical bra's are one size fit's no one (even if they're measured). Sometimes the implants sit in a slightly higher position than ideal and sometimes they're right where we want them. If the implant looks low during surgery then sutures are added internally to help support the implant. If it is slightly high, then we don't use implants so that it is allowed to settle over the next 3... more
Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation and Bra

You should do what your doctor asks of you. Every surgeon has their one postoperative regimen that works for them. I put my patients into a soft surgical bra afterwards for a total of 2 months usually so that the implants settle. Only then do I have them wear a regular bra. But you really need to do what your surgeon wants you to.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Bras after breast augmentation

There is really no great reason for why some surgeons ask their patients to wear a surgical bra post-operatively. Personally, I put a bra on at the end of the case for all my patients. I feel that it gives them some comfort and that is the main reason. If a bra that is too tight is used, then it can push an implant upward in a bad way. So, you may need to be careful and your surgeon should guide you on this matter. Ultimately, if your surgeon does not use a bra, that is totally fine. Good... more
Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Should you wear surgical bra after breast augmentation?

Although there may be pros and cons in general about wearing bras, ultimately every surgeon makes his decision depending on the needs of the case. For example, if a surgeon dissect aggressively at the base of the breast, or the implant is very large, he may decide he needs a bra to support the implant in position until the capsule forms. Alternately, during an endoscopic dissection, or when placing implants from the armpit, where dissection at the base of the breast might not be as thorough... more
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bra or no Bra

There is differing opinions as to whether a bra is needed after breast augmentation. In certain circumstances, such as endoscopic breast augmentation I do do not recommend a bra until after the implants have settled. With an infra-mammary crease incision, however, I usually do recommend a bra. My deciding factor is how the implants have settled.
Robert M. Jensen, MD

Medford Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical bra after breast augmentation?

Most surgeons place patients in bras after surgery. I do it more for comfort. Obviously some surgeons do not use bras.  It is like making chicken soup.  Each chef may use some different ingredients to make it but it comes out similarly!
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Augmentation Support Bra

A comfortable front-snap support bra purchased before surgery is recommended. Custom bras may not compress in the desired direction following surgery. It is best to observe the operated breasts in the selected bra to insure proper wrap and coverage and that the breasts are not forced up or down excessively. Contour or anatomic implants require more meticulous attention to bra compression and some skin taping especially in the most thin patients.
Donn Hickman, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Listen to your own doctor

I do not require a bra.  Others responding on this site do.  That means it is not a critical issue.  Just follow the instructions given to you by your own doctor.
Steven Teitelbaum, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

I have all of my patients wear a bra after surgery

There are plastic surgeons who feel that a bra may impeded healing of breast augmentation but I think it is a minority. My patients tell me they need the support for comfort regardless of the size augmentation. I personally don't think a bra in and of itself will keep an implant from dropping or settling into position. I think the surgical procedure is the key. Discuss this with your surgeon and inquire about why they chose to have you not wear a bra. Best of luck. Dr Edwards more
Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

+1

Surgical bra after breast augmentation depends on the patient

These are personal preferences. In general I ask my patients to wear a bra if a relatively large implant was used in addition to having a stretched breast parenchyma. In some cases where the breast is tight and the implant tend to ride higher, not wearing a bra and even applying a bandage on the upper breast area will allow an earlier implant settling.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation tips

I generally have all of my breast augmentation patients wear a surgical bra following surgery.  I see these patients the next day to assess the position of the implants.  If they are too high, no bra.  If they are being supported in the appropriate position, I leave the bra for 2 weeks.  Everyone is different in their "rules" regarding post op bras.  Just ask your doctor the rationale.  Good luck!
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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