Why do you have to bind your breasts after a breast reduction?

Question

I had my reduction in Monday, I am currently wearing a front closing bra, a breast binder and ace bandage per my doctor. I was told in a week or so I can take the breast binder off at night but needed to wear the bra and ace bandage for atleast a month. I will ask my doctor but since they are closed I was wondering why I had to bind them?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. 1 week after Breast Reduction, it's not time enough to express a valid opinion of results.On the other hand, generally to avoid the normal p.o. swelling, I recommend to limit the arms movement for two weeks. Also it's not advisable to carry weight and take the antiinflamatory painkillers drugs.Finally, I recommend you always use a therapeutic bra.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure; given that you have chosen your plastic surgeon, it is best to follow his/her "protocol" given that your plastic surgery knows what works best when it comes to achieving patient pleasing  outcomes in his/her practice.  Given your concerns however I would suggest that you ask him/her about his/her rationale.

Generally speaking, there is no “standard” when it comes to the use of specific bras or garments after breast surgery. In other words, different plastic surgeons may have different practices when it comes to postoperative dressings/bras.

In my practice, patients wake up with a surgical bra in place. This surgical bra, although not attractive, is supportive and used for about one month after surgery (some of my patients have been known to burn the bra ASAP). Then, patients transition to a soft sports bra. Wired bras are used when breast have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin.

Generally, the longer I have been in practice, the more I appreciate the long term use of supportive bras after all types of breast surgery.  This additional support may be especially helpful when patients are lying down and/or engaged in strenuous exercise. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.I use compression for 1 week after surgery and then a bra for 6 weeks.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Some surgeons used compression to reduce the risks of spontaneous bleeding and hematoma formation after large breast reductions. I'm not sure this technique works in every case and it can be uncomfortable for the patient. Speak with your PS if you have reservations. Best wishes and good luck, Dr. ALDO :)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Top 100 Doctor for Realself

Realself Core Physician

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not place my patients in binders. You will have to speak with you surgeon and follow his instructions.

Why do you have to bind your breasts after a breast reduction?

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Why do you have to bind your breasts after a breast reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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