Will I need an internal bra to prevent implants from bottoming out?

Question

30 yr old mom of 1, currently a 32 AA after breastfeeding for 2 years. I’m 5’4 and 105 pounds. I’ve had 2 consultations with two different board certified plastic surgeons. The first surgeon suggested I stay in the 250-350cc range and also said he’d recommend get an internal bra to help support the implant because of my lack of tissue. The second surgeon recommended no larger than 300cc but that an internal bra is not needed, nor should I worry about bottoming out. Any opinions on this?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Bioabsorbable mesh is sometimes recommended for patients having breast augmentation.  It is helpful in giving support to the tissues to prevent future issues.  The main candidates for this are those with thin tissue, those with very little breast tissue, and those considering larger implants.  Without examining you it's difficult to say if it would be recommended for you.  I've included a video on bioabsorbable mesh that I hope you find helpful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Awesome373017,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

For primary augmentations with a modest size implant (200-300cc range) an internal bra is generally not necessary. Of course, it is impossible to say for certain without a full examination of your tissues. If you have extremely lax tissues, an internal bra would give added support to prevent bottoming out. I would suggest weighing the pros and cons of each option: extra time/cost of internal bra vs. decreased risk of bottoming out. Gather opinions for board certified plastic surgeons with whom you are able to consult in person. Typically, each surgeon will have their own way or style of approaching a patient, but there will likely be some general consensus overall.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Without photos, it's challenging to give you a good opinion. I don't generally use an internal bra for primary augmentations. I would suggest looking at B&A photos and reviews. That will hopefully help give you some guidance. Good luck!

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Adding soft tissue support is necessary if the tissues in question do not have the necessary integrity and elasticity to support an implant over decades on their own. An in person exam is necessary to make this determination. Having a history of small breast size and breast feeding do not mean you necessarily need internal support.

Will I need an internal bra to prevent implants from bottoming out?

Answers (8)

Answer: Internal bra

Answer: Internal bra

Answer: Internal implant support

Answer: Internal implant support

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will I need an internal bra to prevent implants from bottoming out?

Answers (8)

Answer: Internal bra

Answer: Internal bra

Answer: Internal implant support

Answer: Internal implant support

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.