Is the bra normally uncomfortable/painful after a breast reduction?

Question

I am 7 days post op breast reduction I was discharged with just bandages. I am healing really well no bleeding or discharge. The seristrip came off my nipple and you can barely tell it was cut. Problem is I really don't want to wear a bra because it hurts my incisions are very sore under my breast. My bra fits but should I maybe buy something bigger? Lose fit?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Each plastic surgeon has a preference for the type of bra to wear following breast reduction.  My patients find that sports bras that open in the front are more comfortable to wear,  and easier to manage for the first 6 weeks or so.   In addition, select a size that does not place any tension or pressure on the incisions.  I do not recommend underwire bras. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Wearing a bra after surgery should not be painful. You should have a (sports-type) bra that provides you with some gentle support but it should not be too loose or too tight. In addition, if there is some irritation from the bra rubbing on the incisions, you can put some gauze padding in between the cushion those areas. I would not recommend going without a bra because you need the support to offload tension on the healing incisions. I also wound not recommend a bra with wires of internal support, more of something like a sports-bra or surgical bra. As always, it is best to discuss these concerns with your surgeon. Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cnicholls,wearing a bra can be uncomfortable in the early stage of recovery. However, the bra shouldn't cause pain. If you have pain then I would recommend you to consult with your plastic surgeon because every surgeon has his/hers own postoperative protocol.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

For many reasons it is important to wear a bra following breast reduction surgery. The bra that you wear should be supportive and comfortable - not painful. You will need to find a better fitting bra and one that doesn't put pressure on your incisions. Call your surgeon and have him/her evaluate your situation including the present issues with your bra and then make recommendations for an appropriate replacement that is both supportive and comfortable.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

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