Is Compression Bra Required? It's Bruising Me (photo)

Question

I am going to call my Dr's office but wanted to ask for some add'l medical input. My doc gave me a compression bra; on post-op instructions insisted I wear it for a month. I'm on day 6 recovery &the pain is bad to wear it. 3 days ago I took it off & showered & saw these huge bruises exactly where the bra lays ag. my fold. I fear if I don't wear the bra my breasts will sage & not heal well; but wearing it is excruciating. What should I do for bruising & can I stop wearing the bra? Very worried.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I often recommend that patients find a sports bra that opens in the front and that is comfortable to wear.  They can take breaks during the day and I also encourage breast massage after a week.  It is important for your implants to move around and develop a comfortable space (or capsule) within the breast.  It is important for the bra to be comfortable (snug with gentle compression).  You may need a slightly bigger bra initially until the swelling subsides.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You should definitely call your surgeon and ask them about your bra. It should fit snugly, but not so tight that it should be bruising you-although your bruises may not have been caused by your bra. That could be normal bruising related to surgery, or a hematoma. Either way, please see your surgeon for an assessment.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello. Compression and support are important for the recovery process after breast augmentation. With that being said, the bra should not cause significant bruising and pain. I recommend that my patients wear a good sports bra that will provide compression and support, but is also comfortable. You should consult your doctor about changing bras and other possible causes for your pain.

	
	Jaime Perez, MD
	Breast Implant Specialist
	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

George Marosan, MD · Answer

If you were given a compression bra that causes excruciating pain, that cannot be good. Pain is a warning that something is not right. Either the bra is too small, or you have a hematoma around the implants. Need to call your doctor to be seen and evaluated in person. Looking at your photos, the bruising is most likely from surgery. Your skin is tight, the nipple to inframammary fold distance is short and tight. You will not sag without a bra. Matter of fact, your implants need to come down or settle as the lower pole of the breasts gets stretched. I personally, never place any of my patients in a bra after a first time augmentation. Good luck.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

A compression bra is not required, but many of us feel that some compression in the upper pole, balanced with a support bra can be very beneficial to our patients.  On the other hand, it should not be causing you pain.  Discuss this with your surgeon.

Is Compression Bra Required? It's Bruising Me (photo)

Answers (10)