What clothing should I wear for the first few weeks post op from a breast augmentation?

What type of post-surgery bra to wear, is a common question asked by patients scheduled for any type of breast surgery. Every plastic surgeon has his/or her recommendation, so you should follow yours.Here's what I recommend to my patients, whether it is breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast lift. 4-6 weeks post-opAn extra high impact sports bra to be worn after surgery for 4-6 weeks, day and night, only be removed 1 hour per day.
6 weeks- 6 monthsCan wear any type of bra as long as it's NON-WIRED.
After 6 monthsany type of bras can be worn. however I advise my patients to wear extra high impact sports bra while exercising or doing sports.
In terms of clothing, front fastening tops (loose or fitted depending on your preference) are recommended during the first week, as your arm movement will be limited and you'll not be able to lift your arms above your head, especially during the first 4-5 days. However, after the first week, you should try and resume your normal daily activities, including lifting your arms.
I provide my patients with detailed pre- and post-surgery care instructions, as many times after care is as important as the procedure itself. That's why you should discuss your question with your surgeon and follow his/her recommendation.
All the Best.Allen Rezai MD

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent breast augmentation! I recommend that you wear clothing that is comfortable for you. Most often this means loose fitting clothing as well as shirts that can button in the front to make it easier to get on and off rather than raising your arms. I also recommend that you wear a bra that is approved by your surgeon and does not contain any underwire as this may cause discomfort and irritation to your incision sites. If you have any further questions or concerns, I recommend reaching out to your surgeon. Best of luck!

I do usually recommend comfortable clothes for the first few days and if possible with zip or buttons on front to reduce amount of movement when changing.



Regards

Mr Netri

I do not typically have my patients wear a "bulky" bra. I usually recommend a soft light bra if any during the first few weeks. Aside from that, any loose comfortable clothing is appropriate. Good Luck.

My patients wear loose fitting tops and jackets in the winter here in Phoenix, AZ and they return to work in just a few days on average. Best, Dr. ALDO

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

In general, most surgeons will be more interested in the kind of bra you wear than the clothing that covers it, so I think actual clothing is more your choice, and it will be determined more by your physical and emotional comfort.  Your surgeon will have the best recommendations about bras at this point.  For your information, though, I can tell you that in my practice I ask ladies at this point to wear a comfortable, very lightly supportive bra without wires, pads, or "push-ups."  I don't really want a very firm or highly compressive bra, especially if we have textured implants.  I want there to be some natural effect of gravity to guide the implant and the shaping of the breast envelope, and an overly compressive bra may hinder this.  Research has shown that one of the most frequently identifiable factors in capsule contracture appears to be a very compressive bra postoperatively.  Thus, I am of the mindset that, with a properly and meticulously performed operation, we only need the minimum amount of support to keep the implant position under control and to prevent excess stress on the tissues, and anything more than that is probably counterproductive.  Following this logic, my own patients don't usually have a problem finding garments that "fit over" or "hide" their bras, because we aren't using a particularly bulky bra that is out of the norm with most "normal" bras.  On a practical note, bras that fasten in front are good for the first week after surgery when you might be more sore and swollen, but I typically start my patients performing controlled range of motion exercises for their shoulders and pectoral muscles the day after surgery, so that they reach overhead within the first week - gently of course!  Thus, overhead bras aren't typically a problem for my patients either, as long as comfort and range of motion allow, and the bra is put on with care.  I believe that carefully getting people back to "normal life" in all respects as soon after surgery of any kind is best.  I think many postoperative protocols needlessly delay this.  With regard to the actual clothing that's worn over your bra, again, you can stick more to front fastening blouses and tops as comfort dictates, but as soon as you can adequately reach to put on overhead tops or rear fastening tops, as long as you put them on with care, it shouldn't be a problem.  Beyond this, you will have to assess the "fit" and the appearance of the garment over whatever bra you are wearing.  As always, I am sharing my ideas here with you and the experience that my patients have in my own practice, but this may not be consistent with your own surgeon's instructions.  Before making any changes to the instructions you have been given by your own surgeon, be sure to check with them first and get their guidance.  Best of luck.

We recommend comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Many patients use sweat pants and a shirt/jacket that can be opened or zip in the front. Best wishes.

Thank you for reaching out. A lot of it will depend on the post op instructions from your surgeon and what bra he/she has you wearing. I agree with previous answers that your comfort is a key factor. Make sure to keep in close contact with your surgeon and follow their post op instructions! Best of luck!

What a terrific question! The good news for patients now is that in many parts of the country with the cooler weather, you can dress in layers and allow for swelling to go down while you heal and to cover up any bulky undergarments. The most important thing is to follow your surgeon's advice in terms of wearing compression garments (like a snug sports bra) and to avoid wearing bras with an underwire (especially if you have an incision under your breast). 

We find that many of our patients like to have surgery this time of year because of the ability to cover up in winter cloths until they heal and are ready for the summer.

Otherwise, dress comfortably, and enjoy your new look!