When can I sleep without a bra after surgery?

Question

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER BREAST
SURGERY, AUGMENTATION, LIFTS

1.   
pain is variable

2.   
it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax

3.   
celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help

4.   
massage and stretching may help

5.   
everyone heals differently

6.   
4-7 days off from work is common

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear
with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory
nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR PLASTIC
SURGEON IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT INFECTION, BLEEDING, SWELLING, FEVER,
EXCESSIVE BRUISING, OR ANY NEW AND SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE FEELING OR LOOK OF
YOUR BREASTS/IMPLANTS. WHEN IT COMES TO THE RELEASE OF YOUR WRAP OR SPORTS BRA IN SLEEP IT IS ALSO BEST TO CHECK WITH YOUR OWN SURGEON IN FOLLOW-UP.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I recommend one year of nighttime bra sleeping. Ask your plastic surgeon about your situation since he knows the details of your surgery.Best wishes, Dr.Guerra

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear ladygrr,   Each surgeon has recommendations for their patients after surgery. You are usually best suited to follow the instructions from your surgeon. I have my patients wear a soft, cotton bra (no underwire) for 2-4 weeks. There are many "right" answers in this situation. Please call your surgeon for their input. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The answer will vary depending on whom you ask as surgeons often have different protocols postop.  Best to check with your surgeon specifically.  In my practice, I have my patients get fitted in specific underwire sports bras and ask the patient to wear them 24/7 for 2 months.  This may change a little depending on the type of surgery performed as well.  Good luck.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

When I do breast augmentation surgery, I have my patients wear a bra for the first week to help re-establish the fold under their breasts. After that week the implants are resting high up, so I have them sleep without a bra to allow the implants to drop. It's always best to check on your surgeon's protocol. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

When can I sleep without a bra after surgery?

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When can I sleep without a bra after surgery?

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Answer: Bra after surgery

Answer: Bra after surgery

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Answer: When can I sleep without a bra after surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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