When can I sleep without a bra after surgery?

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.

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

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.

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.  

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."

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

It is important to review your post care treatment plan with your plastic surgeon to ensure best results. I recommend a compression bra be worn to protect the breasts for up to one year after surgery.

Thank you for your inquiry. I advise all my patients to wear the compression bra during the day and at night for about 4 - 6 weeks. I recommend attending all your post op appointments and follow your plastic surgeons instructions. Healing and comfort will vary from patient to patient, so be sure to listen to you body as well. Best of Luck

Every surgeon has his/her protocol for when to wear bras after surgery. I would suggest calling your surgeon and seeing what he/she recommends. The recommendation for bras can also vary depending upon what type of implant you received. I have my patients remove their bras at night starting the third week after surgery.