Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Bra Strap After Breast Augmentation Cause or Reduce Swelling?

Does it really help swelling or make you swell more? I was informed to wear it at night, but I noticed it helped the right breast and the left is still swollen not to mention sore now.

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by flowrpowr in 60048

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Bra strap helps position implants and expand lower half of breast

There are many different bra straps and your photo does not adequately illustrate a "bra strap". Traditionally, bra straps are used to encourage implants to settle in the bottom half of the breast especially in women who have small breasts preoperatively or have never nursed. During the day, gravity helps accomplish this goal but at night, gravity is eliminated and therefore the implants tend to move to the upper part of the breast which has least resistance. Use of the bra strap... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Bra strap after surgery

Hello, Honestly I am not sure it really matters. I essentially tell most of my patients to just wear something comfortable. If they are small they can choose to not wear anything. If they are particularly big I might encourage them into a supportive garment a little sooner. All the best, Dr Repta

Bra straps after breast augmentation surgery

Bra straps/dressings usually do not cause swelling nor do they help resolve swelling. These are external dressings that often are used to mold or position the implant in a more favorable location during the immediate postoperative period. Usually subtle assymetries will work themselves out and I often remind patients to not be concerned with these until the implants settle, swelling subsides, skin/muscles stretch, etc. This time frame is different for everyone but... more

A surgical bra is for comfort after a breast augmentation. It has no effect on recovery.

We provide surgical bras to breast augmentation patients for comfort. They are not necessary, however, for proper healing. Your swelling will subside in the next few weeks with or without a surgical bra.

Not for swelling, to allow the implants to fall

Immediately after breast augmentation the implants tend to "ride high." This is the result of the pocket dissection and the muscle spams. I have my patients wear their bras with strap to help the implants fall faster. In addition the implants don't always fall correctly without help. The only thing that helps swelling is time. The swelling following breast augmentation is usually gone by 7-10 days after surgery. So the long and short is that the strap doesn't cause swelling... more

Neither

Support bras after breast augmentation are for comfort and support while the swelling is subsiding and the discomfort is going away. Surgical bras after surgery do not necessarily cause any problems. Asymmetries between the two sides are normal for a while. Don't over-analyze the early results. Wishing you the best.

Talmage J. Raine, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You may have early capsular contracture

I can not tell for sure without examinning you, but from the picture you have high position of the left implant and what you feel is early sign of capsular contracture. You may notice that your right breast is softer and more mobile compare to the left side. Please go back to your doctor to examine you .

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

It depends on the breast augmentation patient

Wearing a bra and different types of straps are used in each patient depending on the post surgical goal. Patient with tight lower breast pole might have more tendency for a high riding implant. I would place a strap on top of the breast in this patient and vice versa. Regarding swelling i do think it will affect swelling.

No

A bra won't affect swelling. To me, the left breast inplant looks higher than the left. A bra may close the pocket and cause the implant to hang there. A band at the top will help the inplants drop into the pocket. Please check with your surgeon about what you are doing, as you may be hurting your outcome. sek

Bra Straps help position implants

The bra straps help position the implants while the tissues and implants are settling. They do not contribute to swelling. If fact, they may actually help reduce swelling. However, you should discuss any garment that you wear with your surgeon and follow his or her recommendations. Good...

Bra Strap After Breast Augmentation

Thanks for your question - There is some discussion regarding the effectiveness of massage or positioning garments (like the strap you are using). Most surgeons agree that they likely do not cause harm. It is unlikely that, if properly used, they are contributing to pain or swelling. Some surgeons utilize these tools with the concept that they may speed improvement in implant positioning. If you're still within a few months of your surgery some of this swelling is normal and will... more

The bra isn't involved in swelling isues

Post operative bras are used to splint the implants lightly and for support and comfort. They don't reduce swelling and shouldn't accentuate it either. It is common for one side to be a bit more swollen than the other regardless of bras. Upper pole straps are another issue. Please note that you don't have one. These are used occasionally to help reduce upper pole fullness and encourage implant settling.