Does it do any good to wear a bra at night after a mastopexy?

Question

I know it reduces swelling, but does wearing a bra at night make a difference int the shape of the breasts?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

I recommend my patients wear a bra after mastopexy not to shape the breasts but to provide some support, compression, and hold the postoperative dressings in place.  Generally most people don't find this to be too inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Hello Tarna and thank you for your question.  After a formal mastopexy, I always recommend that my patients wear a (non-underwire, may indent transverse incisions) soft/supportive for two-weeks more or less round-the-clock, and then two weeks more when on their feet/active.  Thereafter other less supportive bras may be safe to wear.  You are absolutely right that it limits swelling, and tension on the incisions (especially when relatively weak, up to 4-6 weeks post-op, as collagen is being formed) is to be minimized, if possible (which I why I also recommend scar taping during this period).  Of course all of the above should be discussed with your surgeon, who knows your unique situation and surgical results/goals.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Wearing a bra after mastopexy in the long run influences shape.  It is advisable to wear your bra as your surgeon directs during the post op period.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

The bra does offer support while the breast are healing and helps to control swelling. I believe the bra does not shape the breasts, that is done in the operating room with the surgery. If you think about it, at night when you sleep on your side the breasts are hanging to the side. Constant pressure and gravity stretches skin and with time ( years) the breasts can fall down and to the sides. Gravity works again. In my estimation, being anti-gravitational is important.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Wearing a bra after a breast lift does help maintain shape by reducing swelling as you've stated. After the initial swelling has resolved, there is likely little benefit to wearing a support bra, most especially at night when you are lying flat in bed and the forces of gravity are not pulling down.  Your surgeon may have a specific reason to have you wear your bra at night, so please consult with them prior to discontinuing use of night-time support bra.  Best wishes!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and wearing a bra may help in the healing process but check with your surgeonDr Corbin

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

Bras are recommended by most surgeons to decrease swelling,which aids in early postop comfort and avoids trauma to the area.If smooth implants are used at the same time it may help to stabilize them and aid in having them heal in the right spot

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

This depends largely on your surgeon's protocol. I usually recommend wearing it religiously in the first two weeks to protect the fresh healing wounds. The bra is supposed to take off the weight of your breasts to your shoulders avoiding undue tension on your wounds. From 2 weeks onwards, I leave it up to the patient should they decide to take it off at bedtime. Generally, I recommend wearing it for 6 weeks after surgery.

Does it do any good to wear a bra at night after a mastopexy?

Answers (8)

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