How Long After Breast Implant Removal can I Wear Underwire Bras?

Thank you for your question. My patients will have a surgical bra that I place at the time of surgery. They normally wear this for the first week or two and then transition to a sports bra that opens in the front. By six weeks, if their implants have sufficiently descended, I let my patients know they can start wearing a normal bra (including a push-up bra). They may still undergo some changes which can change their bra preferences a few months later.

Good day! Surgeons have different protocols for post op for each patient and for each procedure. Some doctors prefer you to wear a compression garment or a sports bra for a longer period of time, but some don't. It is still best to ask your doctor about detailed information on the aftercare you need and strictly follow post op instructions for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

I personally have patients wear a soft bra for 6 weeks before wearing a push-up or underwire type of bra.  However, that also depends on how well the patient has healed.  I also let people start scar massage as soon as the skin is healed and no long raw.  Your surgeon may have different ideas about the proper postop regime. 

You have a series of good questions.  The answers depend on many factors such as the location of the incision for the removal of the implants, how well you are healing and then you get into some questions that have different answers for different surgeons about when and what type of bra.  With that in mind, I recommend directing these questions back to your surgeon's office for final answers.For more information, please go to my website at:WirthPlasticSurgery.com

There is nothing nefarious or magical about underwire bras. They appear to place higher pressure along the bottom rim (inframamary fold) of the breat giving a visual greater definition to the breast. The question for the surgeon would be: is there a reason why he would prefer to postpone the application of such forces along the bottom of the operated breasts?  

Your surgeon needs to answer the question since he knows what could be done. In the ordinary breast implant removal case there is no reason why a bra choice should be restricted. 

Peter A Aldea, MD