Post surgery compression bra - how to select the right size?

Trying to select the proper size bra in advance of breast reduction surgery can be very challenging. Many surgeons will provide a bra for you. If not, your surgeon can guide you to purchase the proper size and style.

Thanks for the question! It's difficult to know for sure what size bra you will need following breast reduction surgery. During the first 6 weeks of recovery, a sports bra that zips up the front is required for support. I recommend buying multiple sizes and trying them on after surgery to see which one fits properly and is most comfortable.

There are typically sizing charts for most compression garments, such as Isavella, which for this scenario would have measurement of the chest circumference under the breast. You can actually order these readily online if you have tape measurements, or some offices, such as ours, will obtain these for their patients.

Thank you for your question. When you wake up from your surgery you will be wearing your medical bra. This will stay on for 4 weeks. I recommend my patients keep this bra on 24/7. You can only take it off to wash it. Its made out of a material that dries very fast so it should dry completely around 30 minutes. I give the medical bra to my patients according to their breast size. Your surgeon will give you the best information about your new bra size and will order you the appropriate compression bra.

Thank you for your question.
I recommend speaking to your plastic surgeon about their preferences. Your surgeon may place you in a compression bra right after your procedure which you can use until you acquire another. Oftentimes, it is quite difficult to estimate an exact bra size after a breast reduction; however, your surgeon may have a rough estimate.

Hello, thank you for your question. Usually you will want to go down one size. You don't want anything too tight around the breast incisions but just enough for support. There will be a lot of swelling initially right after surgery so you will have to keep adjusting your bra sizes.

Hello @Polite474156, thank you for your question. The right size is the size that the doctor that performed the surgery tells you to wear, because a compressive bra is essential to reduce the tension on the scar and also to maintain the skin in the proper healing process. It is important that you have a consultation with a board certified specialist to determine a surgical plan according to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Hello and thank you for your question.
You will be put into a bra immediately following surgery. If you need to purchase your own bra contact your surgeon for guidance on size and brand. Best wishes!

Dear Polite474156,
every surgeon has a preferred type of bra that they let their patients wear after breast augmentation, as this would depend on various factors like the type of surgery performed and the size of the implant used. You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

This question is best answered by your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your surgery. Some surgeons will place your in an ace wrap or surgical bra for the time immediately after surgery and then have you transition into the appropriate sports bra. Your surgeon should help guide you based on her/his protocols.