After Breast Reduction, When Will I Be Able to Purchase the Right Size Bra?

Every doctor has different post op instructions so you should ask your surgeon what would work for you. The dressings vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be placed in a sports bra; others will wear a stabilizing elastic support strap. Your doctor will decide after surgery and in subsequent weeks, which dressing will suit your needs and how long you would need to wear them.

Thank you for your question.
Once the swelling has subsided you can go bra shopping. Usually within a few weeks. Best wishes!

I generally advise my patients to wait a minimum of 3 months and preferably 9 months prior to investing in a whole new brassiere wardrobe.

A post-surgical breast garment is generally recommended following surgery (for 1 to 2 weeks).  After about a week, I like for patients to wear a sports bra.  After about 2 months, you can be sized for the most appropriate fit at Victoria's Secret or other bra carrier. 

Thank you for the question.


It will probably be in your best interest to wait at least 6 months after surgery before shopping for expensive bras. Up to that point, I suggest patients where soft, non-under wired bras.




Best wishes.

Your breasts after surgery will be swollen, and this may take 4-6 months or longer for the final size to be stable.

After a breast reduction the breasts are usually swollen, firm and may be tender. I have patients wear a post operative surgical bra for one week, then a soft full coverage bra without under wire for another month. I would not recommend buying an expensive bra or having a  bra fitting for almost 3 months. At around that time most of the swelling is gone, the breast are soft, and should feel normal. Then you can pick out any  pretty style you like.

IDEALLY, you really should not invest in expensive bras until the vast majority of surgical swelling in the operated breasts has subsided. Since different people responded differently to the trauma of surgery, I could not give you a blanket, always-valid date. In general, the vast majority of swelling is gone in most women undergoing Breast Reduction surgery in 6-8 weeks.

Good Luck. Hope your recovery is going well.

Dr. Peter Aldea

Once your breasts don't feel or look swollen and have only minimal tenderness, you are ready for bra shopping after your breast reduction. I usually suggest to wait a few months (2-3) before buying new expensive bras.  Just get inexpensive bras in the meantime.

After a breast reduction, it’s advisable to wait until the swelling has significantly subsided and your breasts have settled into their new shape. This typically takes a few weeks to a few months. It’s best to consult with your surgeon for recommendations based on your recovery progress.