How long must I wear sports bra after breast augmentation while I am sleeping and when I am working out?

We recommend for our patients to wear support as much as possible during the first 6 months after surgery. We recommend sleeping in the bra x 6 months. We do not recommend chest work outs for 6 weeks. Once patients start working out again, we recommend for them to wear the bra x 3 months. Some patients feel more comfortable always wearing the bra to work out to give more support. You should check with your surgeon for his/her specific recommendations. 

It's a great question. Your surgeon is the only one who can give you specific advice. In my office I don't use any special bras and my patients leave the operating room with only two Band-Aids. I don't do any wrapping either. After one week, most women will wear a band bra, or loose fitting sports bra. I recommend avoiding underwire bras for six weeks.

Hello,Thank you for your question. Most Plastic Surgeons will ask that you avoid wearing underwire for at least 2 months post op and choose a soft, supportive bra. Many surgeons supply a surgical bra. I advise my patients to continue long term support by wearing a soft bra at night on an ongoing basis. All the best

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

A professionally manufacture post surgical bra. Avoid underwire bras for three months. breast exercises are helpful in allowing the implant to settle into a more supple envelope. I think about 3 months of breast exercises are sufficient. The only contraindication to breast exercises is when textured anatomical implants are used. Best of luck!!

Thank you for your question. As previously stated by the surgeon's below, you should obtain the advice of your board certified plastic surgeon.  Each board certified plastic surgeon will have his / her own opinion on post-operative care.  I advise most of my patients to wear a support bra without wire for 1 month after surgery and no underwire bra for 2 months. Best of luck with your recovery.  

Every surgeon is a bit different and you should ask yours what he prefers for your post-op care and when you can start to wear an underwire bra.

Each surgeon will have a different opinion on this.  I have my patients wear a well supportive underwire bra beginning immediately after the surgery.  They wear that or a non-underwire bra at night.  At one month when they start more vigorous exercise I have them wear a sports bra.  At this time they can wear a push bra or go braless if they so desire but I recommend that they wear  the underwire bra the majority of the time.  Best of luck.

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. There is no “standard” when it comes to the use of specific bras or garments after breast surgery. In other words, different plastic surgeons may have different practices when it comes to postoperative dressings/bras. 





In my practice, patients wake up with a surgical bra in place. This surgical bra, although not attractive, is supportive and used for about one month after surgery (some of my patients have been known to burn the bra ASAP). Then, patients transition to a soft sports bra. Wired bras are used when breast have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin.  







Generally, the longer I have been in practice, the more I appreciate the long term use of supportive bras after all types of breast surgery. This additional support may be especially helpful when patients are lying down and/or engaged in strenuous exercise. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Thank you for your question.Ultimately, this is up to your plastic surgeon. I would recommend discussing their post operative protocols with you so you have a clear understanding. Every plastic surgeon will have slightly different aftercare instructions which work for them and their patients. Generally, by 7 weeks I tell my patients they can stop wearing a bra if they like and can also start wearing bra’s with underwire after 6 weeks. Best of luck in your recovery. Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science