I recommend my patients wear a sports bra for 6 weeks, 24/7 after surgery. I ask then to get one with a looser chest than normal (if you wear a 34, get a 36 inch), and cups that are way too small (B or C Cup sizes). This means that you can still breath (as the chest is not being squeezed by the lower part of the bra) and the breasts are being compressed - this means that swelling might be reduced, and the risk of bleeding and infection is also likely to be reduced. Pain is also less when wearing a good bra. By the way, buying more than one of these bras is a good idea - that way you can still wear one and wash the others - things won't be pleasant if you wear the same bra for more than a few days! I also ask my patients to continue to wear a support bra 24/7 even after the first 6 weeks. I am convinced that this fights off the 'enemies of the breast' - Time and Gravity. It is ok to wear no bra, or a less supportive bra occasionally, but for everyday use, a good supporting bra is really important. Think of your sports bra as being like a garage for your car - your car will last a lot longer of it is stored indoors, but the odd night parked in a rainy field won't destroy it! Thanks, and all the best.