How long after breast augmentation can you switch from your sports bra to a regular bra?

Question

My doctor didn't do any bandages, I just bought a zip up sports bra and that's what they sent me home in. I know I need to wear a bra at all times, I just wasnt sure when I could switch to a regular bra. Monday the 14th will be 2 weeks since my surgery.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I absolutely do NOT want my patients to wear a sports bra full time after breast augmentation, but that's because of how I dissect my patients' central pockets near the breastbone cleavage area. Most patients want the cleavage area as "tight" or close as possible, and they usually hate a wide or "Grand Canyon" cleavage. This means making the pockets relatively close, and that means wearing a sports bra all the time can stretch or tear these remaining fibers and cause or worsen symmastia (unaboob).
However, other surgeons don't try to make a close cleavage, and in fact leave it an inch wide or more, which means wearing a sports bra full time can stretch or tear a few fibers without causing symmastia. However, if fibers do NOT stretch or tear, then a wide cleavage will automatically result. Not good either.
Bottom line: ask your surgeon. (Or look in the mirror and see how close your implants are right now.)  If they are close, I would advise against wearing a sports bra "all the time." Wearing a regular bra may also have something to do with how high or low your implants end up (too high, or bottoming out).
Bear in mind that implants almost NEVER stay where surgeons put them (unless they are textured, as these are designed to stay in place). Since complete healing takes 6-12 months, it is incumbent for us as surgeons to understand this and so inform our patients. Otherwise, an augmentation patient who looks great at 3 months post-op and thinks "everything is OK, wear any bra you wish" will find that she can adversely influence implant position in ways she never anticipated. Unfortunately, I've done enough breast augmentation over my 3 decades in practice, and revised any number of patients from other surgeons (as well as a few of my own, but not from THIS problem), that I've seen just this scenario occur. Not good.
Apparently a few patients have as well, as my number one answer (in the Q & A section on my RealSelf surgeon's page) is on just this topic, with 120 "like" votes. You can read more by clicking on the web reference link below. Something to think about. Ask your surgeon. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own specific post operative instructions they ask their patients to follow. It is best you ask your chosen surgeon. Regards,

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The need and protocol for wearing a bra after breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient and doctor to doctor. I have my patients wear a supportive bra for the first week so the band under the bra will help re-form the crease under the breast. If their implants are starting high, then after this week I switch them to a soft non push-up type bra, like a bralette, camisole or tank top so their breast implants don’t heal in a stuck high position. Hope this information is helpful. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi kcamp05.  If you had an incision placed underneath the breasts, an underwire bra will put pressure on it and may impair healing.  Keep broad banded bras on for 4 weeks or until your surgeon feels that your healing has progressed. If you have incisions in the armpit, around the areola or in the belly button, a well fitted/supportive bra can be worn without these concerns now.  Take care,

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Recovery after a breast augmentation can be very straight forward with the right surgeon.  Precise technique with minimal trauma leads to little pain after surgery, with many of our patients going out for dinner the same night as surgery.   Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures.  I have patients wear a soft bra after breast augmentation for around 6 feweeks to splint everything, and at that point the scars are generally very stable and we move to normal bras (or none) and long term scar management.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your procedure.  Best to always ask your surgeon as they know the full details of your recovery, but in my practice patients can resume use of an underwire bra at 6 weeks.  This allows their incision sufficient time to fully heal.  Hope this helps.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It will depend partially on what incision you had but every surgeon is a bit different. In my practice it is 6 weeks until you can wear underwires again but you should really I'd suggest calling or booking an appointment with your surgeon to ask. Best of luck!

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeons post-op care will vary but in my practice we have our patients wear a sports bra for 6-8 weeks after surgery. Please ask your surgeon what his protocol is at your follow-up appointment.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and congratulation on your augmentation!  If your incision is under your breast, my typical recommendation is 6 weeks, to avoid pressure or friction on the incision while it is healing.  If your incision is around the areola or in the armpit, you could switch to an underwire bra sooner.  I would follow your surgeon's advice on this, since he/she knows you best.  Best of luck with your recovery!

How long after breast augmentation can you switch from your sports bra to a regular bra?

Answers (9)

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