After a breast implant removal, what are the pros + cons of wearing a very tight compression garment versus a relaxed sport bra?

Thank you for your question. Following implant removal a short period of compression helps to speed up the resolution of edema and decreases the risk of seroma formation. After a couple weeks it is okay to switch to a more comfortable bra. 

Dear SurgeryJourney1234,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In general I favor a compression garment to help minimize tissue swelling, fluid collection development, and to help with skin retraction.  Recommendations will vary by surgeon so be sure to discuss with them. Best wishes!

The best advice will come from the PS who removes your implants as post-operative protocol varies from PS to  PS.  My patients like the support and compression of a snug fitting sports bra for four to six weeks after breast implant removal.  

Without knowing what your surgeon did exactly regarding the capsular contracture, I always suggest to my patients a tighter garment.  Doesn't matter if its a surgical bra, compression bra, or sports bra, but should be tight and snug.  
When a surgeon is removing implants for capsular contracture, that surgeon should also excise the capsule (which is normal scar tissue that is formed surrounding the implant).  Sometimes a surgeon may even leave in drains because after removing the implant and capsule, there remains what we call a "dead space", essentially the space that your implant use to be.  Normal healing include fluid formation, so a drain would help to draw out that fluid.  
Wearing a tight surgical bra or sports bra will help compress that dead space and allow for your tissue form more scar, essentially getting rid of that dead space.  If you have trouble finding a bra that is tight at the breast, you can also take some Kerlex, fluff them out, and just stuff them into your bra.  Either way, compression is very important.

Compression during the early post operative phase helps to control swelling as well as help to prevent fluid accumulation in the breast pocket.  Opinions vary on this topic.  I encourage you to discuss what is best for you with your surgeon and to have all questions answered.

Thanks for writing,I believe in the immediate post-op time frame compression is helpful. A few things need to happen, compression helps with swelling, the compression helps to ensure the correct positioning of the breast tissue while the skin readapts and shrinks. I usually recommend this for a few weeks. Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSCertified: American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Thank you for the question. You will find the recommendations will vary from one plastic surgeon to another. Personally, I do not think that "very tight" compression garments are ever indicated.  It is not a good idea to apply too much pressure over any surgical site;  this may result in problems such as decreased blood supply to the surgical site. In my practice, I find the use of a formfitting bra helpful after breast implant removal surgery; this garment helps apply gentle pressure over the surgical site and helps minimize swelling postoperatively.       I always use drains with this procedure as well. Best wishes. 

A compression binder is recommeneded for about two weeks after surgery in order to help prevent swelling and fluid accumulation.  A sports bra can be worn under the compression garment if desired.