When to stop wearing compression bra after surgery?

Question

I am 3 weeks post op for under the muscle BA, 295 cc silicone implants. I have been wearing the compression bras provided by my doctor but he has now advised me I can switch to a soft cup bra with no underwire if I choose. Just wanted to check what is the usual amount of time to stop wearing the compression bra as most of what I have read says to wear it for much longer than 3 weeks?

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery. This is a great question for your plastic surgeon. They are the only ones who can give you specific advice. In my office, I don't have my patients wear any special bras. They really don't wear any bra for the first week, and then up wearing loose fitting sports bras until the six week mark. At that time, they can then begin wearing underwire bras.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Compressionbras are primarily worn for
comfort after breast augmentation surgery. If the compression bra is
comfortable you can
wear them for 2-4 weeks postoperatively. If it’s not you can wear a camisole,
no bra, or a sports
bra. If the procedure is done properly a bra should only be used for support. This should
be done in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with Expertise in
breast augmentation.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

In my practice we
advise patients to wear a compression bra for 6 weeks after surgery. However, post-op
procedures vary by surgeon, patient, and surgery so I recommend closely following
your plastic surgeon’s instructions and following up with him if you have any
questions.

Stephanie Beidler Teotia, MD · Answer

I typically tell my patients they can stop wearing the compression bra that they were sent home in on the day of surgery 7-14 days post-operatively.  However, they must wear some kind of sports bra (compression bra) for the remaining 4 weeks after.  Make sure the bra gives you some kind of compression to help with placement and swelling.  The best thing to do is to contact your Plastic Surgeon and find out what he/she wants.  Best of Luck!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

To answer your question, you must understand that every case is different and only your PS can know how long is necessary to wear a compression bra. The length of time the compression bra must be used is based on how the implants are settling. Ask your PS and see what he/she recommends.Best of luck and hope you are happy with your results,Dr. JSB

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has a different regimen for how long they want patients to continue the compression garments. Depending on the technique of the procedure, the type of implant placed, and other specifics of the surgery, we all develop a protocol for what we think will provide the best outcome for patients. I would say that most surgeons ask patients to continue the surgical bra and/or compression strap for anywhere from 2-6 weeks. That being said, if your surgeon's protocol is to allow you to wear a soft bra at three weeks, then that sounds completely reasonable and I would follow those instructions. The reality is that most likely, the patient's compliance with a compression bra may have little to no affect on the outcome in the end, despite what we think.Best of luck to you!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Each Doctor has their own way of managing bra support after breast augmentation. We have usually found a formula that works for us and our patients. You should follow your doctor's recommendations and not be to concerned with what you read on the Internet.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation 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. Therefore, best to check with your plastic surgeon.   For example, 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 implants have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin.   Best wishes.

Kevin Maguire, MD · Answer

There is no consensus on this topic. Listen to your surgeon for they have the best insight into your specific operation. Good luck and be well.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually use a soft bra for post-op care. I do not use a compression bra. Best to follow your surgeon's instructions.

When to stop wearing compression bra after surgery?

Answers (11)

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