Can Tight Bras Cause Breast Augmentation Complications?

There are a lot of studies that conclude that lymphatic constriction caused by tight bras can cause cancer. There are also articles that state poorly fitting bras cause the implants to be pushed around in unnatural ways. And loose bras let breasts sag. Finally, there are articles that state tight bras cause scar tissue. My question is this: can you conclusively state that tight bras do not cause or worsen bottoming out, capsular contracture (reduced lymphatic flow), and symmestasia?

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Incgnito

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (1)

Bra and breast augmentation complications

General generally speaking, there is no scientific association between the bra and the conditions you described. Complications such as symastia, lateral and inferior meal position of implants are related to factors other than the bra shape and tightness. The shape of the aggrevate or accentuate an existing problem, but unlikely to be the direct cause. Best wishes.

Bras after Breast Augmentation?

Thank you for the question. You are obviously a good researcher and I'm sure you know that all kinds of studies exist that conclude all kinds of things. The conclusions of the studies of course are only as good as the quality of the research performed. Although I cannot “conclusively state” anything, I can give you my opinion that loose or tight bras are not primarily responsible for any type of breast implant related complication. In regards to breast... more

Bras after augmentation

I have never heard that wearing a tight bra can cause cancer or any of the other problems you mention. I do recommend that patients wear a bra after breast augmentation to take the weight of the implant off the skin and hopefully this will prevent sagging. Many plastic surgeons have different recommendations regarding wearing a bra after surgery, but I am not aware of any scientific studies about the issue.

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Incgnito 28 Jul 2012

Thank you for your answers. I ask because I have read tight bras can reduce the lymph flow which could conceivably leave harmful substances in the breast tissue longer, which in fact these studies did show fibrocystic disease and others. Considering that CC is caused by infection, I figured it might be possible due to reduced lymph flow. Also, since so many doctors tell their patients not to wear a push up bra because it might affect the position of the implant, I thought that pushing them into unnatural places might cause the pocket to heal there. And then off course, with that train of thought, pushing them down, with an improperly fitting bra, might stretch out the pocket or displace the implant from under the muscle completely. At least, this was how I thought it could happen anyway. lol Thanks for your aswers!

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