Bra size after implants - will my bra size get bigger or smaller in the months after surgery?

I advise my patients to wait at least 8 weeks before making major bra purchases. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi & thanks for your question.
Your cup size will be larger after having a breast augmentation. Have a fitting for with a professional to make sure you get the correct size and fit. Best wishes!

Dear Passionate220254,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Congratulations on your upcoming breast augmentation surgery! The size of your breasts after surgery can vary due to factors such as swelling, implant position, and tissue elasticity. It is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in their bra size after breast augmentation surgery. Here are some general guidelines regarding when to buy bras after surgery:

Wait until the swelling subsides: It is normal to experience swelling after surgery, which can make it difficult to accurately determine your new bra size. You should wait until the swelling has subsided, which can take several weeks to a few months, before buying new bras.
Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions, including when to start wearing a bra after surgery. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.
Be patient: It can take several months for your implants to settle into their final position, and for the tissue to stretch and adjust to the new size. You may notice changes in your breast shape and size during this time, so it is best to wait until your breasts have fully healed before investing in new bras.
In terms of whether your bra size will get bigger or smaller after surgery, it really depends on your individual case. The size and placement of the implant, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, and the degree of muscle constriction can all influence the final size and shape of your breasts. It is essential to have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations, as well as to get a better idea of what to expect after surgery.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be patient and to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. With proper care and time, you should be able to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results from your breast augmentation surgery.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Generally breast shape never finalizes for a lady. After a couple of weeks may be one or two months after isolated breast augmentation breast will loose surgical oedema (swelling) and may get a bit smaller. But we do not expect it to get smaller after that. Still breast can go down to a lower position if you have large implants like 625 cc. This is normal but it is named “ptosis or sag” not “involution”.

Breasts beginning to settle at 10-12 weeks post augmentation at which stage your surgeon should be able to measure your definitive cup size

You may have some swelling with surgery so you might decrease a small amount. Hold off on buying many bras right after surgery to let your implants settle down so you can get the correct size. I would advise not going with such a large and heavy implant that will stretch and thin your own tissue, be heavy on your neck and shoulders, and sag over time.

Early in recovery from breast augmentation your breast shape may be different as the muscle will hold the implant higher. You will also have swelling. As the muscle relaxes the implants settle into place you'll have a more natural look to the breasts. The swelling will also resolve. These two changes will impact how the breasts fit in a bra. During the early part of recovery patients often will wear a surgical bra or sports bra to support the healing breasts. You can go for a professional bra fitting after that.

Thank you for your question. Initially after breast augmentation especially when the implants are placed under the muscle, the breast may be flattened and the implant higher on the chest wall. Under the circumstances is unlikely that any bra will fit you properly and most patients are given a surgical bra this early after treatment.

In 3 months after your breast augmentation, your breast implants will have reached their final normal position and at this point your bra cup size should be increased.