Sports Bra and Tighter Bra After Breast Implants?

This is a very important question with probably different answers by different surgeons. Bras are usually used for a few different purposes
compressing the breast to reduce bleeding
hold the implants in position after surgery
reduce pain
In my practice of breast augmentation, the implant is placed in the subfascial plane, with no cuts in the pectoralis muscles. The overall bleeding in these cases is less than 2-3 cc per breast with no drain placement. The fascia holds the implant in place while proper hemostasis prevents the need for compression to reduce bleeding and hematomas. Therefore, I do not make the patients wear any bras in the immediate postoperative period. If they want to, they can wear a sportive bra for support. However this is not mandatory. Since sleeping on the breasts is forbidden for a minimum of 6 weeks, use of a bra at nights can help prevent any unwanted trauma to the breasts.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

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.

You only need to wear a sports bra or surgical bra for the first month after surgery- and it does not need to be tight. The bra will not add anything to your final outcome. Find a bra that is comfortable and does not have an underwire during the first month.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno