What happens if I don’t wear a bra after my operation? (Photo)

Question

I find them really uncomfortable and just prefer not to wear one at all since I’m not even moving as much.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Your swelling make take longer to subside.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Most women prefer to wear a bra after breast augmentation because the support feels good. I usually recommend that my patients wear one...usually a surgical bra or sports bra...so long as there is no underwire...which can dig into the new incision.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Every surgeon has a different reason and protocol for bra wearing after surgery. I have my patients wearing the bra for one week mostly to reestablish their crease under their breasts. Best to check with your surgeon's reasons and protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tashgarr,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own recommendations for post operative activity and when you can resume. I encourage you to discuss this with your surgeon or his medical staff. Typically, you should be able to resume all strenuous activity once you are 6 weeks post op. But again please check with your surgeon first. As for the bra, this should have been covered in your pre op appointment, please refer back to any and all instructions that were given to you.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Every plastic surgeon has a specific protocol. Usually we ask patients to wear a surgical bra for a couple of weeks and to avoid underwires until the incisions are fully healed and the implants have settled somewhat. The truth is we don't really know if bra use is required or even helpful to the healing process. In some cases, if the implants seem to be riding high, we may recommend a band or wraps to the upper chest to force the implants to settle faster, and avoid a bra. You should check with your surgeon for specific recommendations.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Every PS has different postop regimes and best to ask your PS. The majority of pts in my practice are advised to wear bras postop but there are scenarios where I don't advise bras. If the bra is causing issues it is best to find a more comfortable bra. At the end of the day if the bra is causing more problems your PS may consider assigning a period of time without the bra.

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

Great question.  While your plastic surgeon should create an implant pocket to fit the implant exactly, and implant malposition would be quite rare, it just makes sense to give your postoperative breasts support and you comfort.  The time to wear a bra 24/7 varies from surgeon to surgeon, but the important time is obviously in the first several weeks.  Now is not the time to take chances.Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I find that when patients are recovering from breast augmentation surgery and are wearing bras with inadequate support they notice their breasts become increasingly tender and painful within 24 hours.  If you're severely limiting your activity and your breasts are not particularly tender, then you might try keeping your bra off (only with your surgeon's permission and agreement) but if there are any complications in healing such as excessive settling of the implant or displacement your decision would be called into question.  Most surgeons would tell you that is not a good idea to remove your support.  After the first few weeks the recommendation would probably change if you're healing well.I recommend that you watch the video below regarding recovery from breast enlargement surgery.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

IF you do not wear the bra exactly as prescribed, you can totally ruin the result and wind up with misplacced implants that look terrible. Until the 3 month point, you have not healed around the implants and it is still possible to move the implants out of position and have them heal wrong. In my practice 3 months on our specific bra is required 24/7 and I basically never have to fix misplaced implants. Isn't that what you want? So, toughen up and wear the bra - 3 months will come sooner than you think.

What happens if I don’t wear a bra after my operation? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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