When will I be able to wear an underwire bra or be braless? 6 months after implant removal and still feeling pain

Question

I had a BA 10 months ago and removed after 4 months, it's been just over 6 months and I still feel like I can't wear an underwire bra physically and mentally. My incisions were below my crease fold. They are healing well. The augmentation was a massive regret in which I'm still trying to get over and I worry I won't be able to do normal things like wear a bra or go braless again. I still have soreness where my under boob has been stretched as I had quite pointy tuberous boobs

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are healing (healed) without complications or delays, from a safety perspective you should be able to be braless or wear an underwire bra now. Patients that heal normally without complications can usually return to wearing an underwire bra or be braless about 6-8 weeks after surgery. You are well beyond this point.

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question, I am sorry to hear that you have had a difficult experience following your breast augmentation. It is unusual for your scars to still be sensitive at 6 months, but they can take up to 18 months-2 years to fully mature. I would encourage massage of the scar with application of moisturiser as regularly as able (at least at morning and night) to improve scar sensitivity and aid scar maturation. It is safe to go braless or wear an underwired bra 6 months following surgery if your discomfort allows. Getting measured for a bra by a professional may help. I hope things improve for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear woolty7,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your breast augmentation and the subsequent removal. I have discussed your question in great detail in the video attached below, please view this. It’s entirely normal to have mixed feelings about your body after such significant changes. Give yourself time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether from friends, professionals, or communities that understand your experience. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants stretched and thinned your own tissue and some changes will remain. You will just have to try different bras and going braless to see how you feel.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

At six months post-implant removal, you should generally be seeing significant healing, but lingering pain could indicate sensitivity, scar tissue, or other healing complications.
Wearing an Underwire Bra
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months to a year before wearing underwire bras to allow for complete healing and to avoid irritating sensitive tissue or scar tissue. Since you're still experiencing pain, you may want to continue wearing a soft, supportive bra like a wireless bra or a sports bra until you're fully comfortable.
Going Braless
Being braless depends on your level of discomfort and your breast tissue's ability to support itself after implant removal. If you're still in pain, it might indicate that your tissue and muscles are still adjusting. Some women experience nerve sensitivity, swelling, or scar tissue tightness that can prolong the healing process.
Why You Might Still Be in Pain
•	Scar tissue formation (capsular contracture or residual tightness)
•	Nerve regeneration or damage from the surgery
•	Residual swelling or inflammation
•	Fat grafting or tissue settling (if you had additional procedures done)
If the pain persists or worsens, it's best to check in with your surgeon to rule out any complications like nerve irritation, scar tissue buildup, or fluid retention. They may recommend massage, ultrasound therapy, or other treatments to help with discomfort.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At six months post op if you have healed normally you should be able to wear whatever bra style you prefer, including underwire bras.  You may want to go for a professional bra fitting to find a style that is most comfortable for you and fits you best.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Recovery after any surgical procedure is going to vary based on a number of variable spread.
For most patients things gradually improve months by months.
If you have specific questions regarding your recovery that I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon.
There is no yes or no answer to your question.
Most patience are free of postoperative pain a few months, though some tenderness can be felt for longer in a certain situation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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