When you wake up after getting a breast augmentation or breast lift, you’re going to be wearing a snug surgical compression bra—and for at least six weeks, you’ll take it off only to shower. This period is critical, says says Dr. Sophie Bartsich, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. “Breast implants need to form a capsule around themselves that will ultimately hold them in place, which takes anywhere from two to four weeks. If the implant is pushed up, it will not settle well. If it is pushed to the side, it will end up too far out.” For this reason, it’s important to find a surgical support bra that holds the implant properly—and to be aware of the position your breasts are in while sitting, sleeping, and standing.
“[After that,] your surgeon may recommend going directly from the surgical bra to your regular bras, but I prefer a more stepwise transition for my patients, with an in-between stage that both heals and supports,” says Dr. Bartsich. Try an unstructured sports bra, “something that conforms well and stretches easily while not rubbing on the incisions,” or a fitted tank top without a band (bands can irritate stitches and cause issues with implants placed below the muscle).
Dr. Melissa Doft, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, asks her patients to avoid push-up bras, which can keep implants from settling into the correct position. She has found that most women prefer form contour bras to those with underwires, but one caveat, she notes, “is that some women will need their inframammary crease to be lowered, to accommodate the desired implant. In these patients, I actually do recommend using an underwire bra, because I think it helps the implant pocket heal correctly.”
Need a starting point before buying? These are the six bras RealSelf members love, post breast augmentation.
Related: Silicone or Saline? 5 Things to Know About Picking the Right Breast Implants
Best bras for breast implants
Calvin Klein Underwear Invisibles Wirefree Bra ($44)
This lightly padded, wire-free option with a thick seamless band offers “the right amount of compression and support, without feeling tight and restrictive,” says Natalie, 34, who transitioned to it as soon as her surgical bra came off.
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra ($72)
Generally, underwire bras are fine to start wearing a few months after surgery if you like how they feel, but they can be irritating if your incisions are under the breast crease. One RealSelf member swears that this ultra-soft bra is the most comfortable for augmented breasts and creates “nice, natural lines.”
Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra ($65)
“[It’s] all I’ve worn since my BA/BL a year ago,” says a RealSelf member of this bra that goes up to cup size DDD and looks perfectly smooth under T-shirts.
Related: The 5 Best Post-Operative Pillows for the Most Uncomfortable Surgeries
Cosabella Soire Confidence Curvy Bralette ($69.50)
“I was sore and sensitive for a lot longer than I expected, and this bra was the only one that felt comfortable in terms of holding me up with wide straps and not rubbing my nipples, which led to weird sensations,” says Grace, 30.
Chantelle Erika Plunging Bra ($69)
After switching from high-profile saline implants to moderate-profile silicone implants, one RealSelf user found this plunge bra to give the best support. It has a foam underwire and goes up to a G cup.
American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Crossback Bra ($14)
Tanya, 29, was recommended this affordable bra by her plastic surgeon. “It’s what I wore during the transition period after about a week [in my surgical bra], and it was amazing. I basically never took it off,” she says.
