Surgeon recommends a under wire bra immediately after breast augmentation. Is it safe?

Question

Almost every post I read suggests that underwire bra's should NOT be worn at least 2-6 weeks after BA, which I find confusing, seeing that my surgeon suggests wearing a underwire bra from day one after BA? I have some 'sagging' but he said a 300cc implant can give a 'lifting' illusion that can 'fix' this without a lift procedure. My questions, (1) is it safe to wear a underwire bra immediately after surgery if by surgeon suggests so, (2) will the implant alone really give me the 'lift' I need?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Different surgeons have different preferences regarding post-op care after breast augmentation. If you are comfortable with your plastic surgeon, and allow the procedure to be done, then follow their advice. As far as 300 cc implants providing enough lift for you, I cannot answer that question without an examination. However, breast implants do provide some lift, especially higher profile implants. I try to do whatever possible to minimize scarring on my patients' breasts and if I can achieve enough lift with only implants, then  that is preferable.

Stephen M. Herring, MD, DDS · Answer

There is no hard and fast rule regarding bras after breast augmentation surgery.I prefer for my patients to wear a sports bra in the period just after surgery.  My concern is that the wire area could be uncomfortable directly on the incision or cause a wound problem.However, if your surgeon has used this protocol with good success, then follow his/her instructions.Disclaimer: The most accurate medical advice requires a complete history and physical with a personal consultation. This is rendered only as general information and is not medical advice. Medical advice can only be obtained by personal contact with a qualified professional. This response does not establish a physician patient relationship.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.All of my breast augmentation patients are instructed to wear an underwire bra after breast augmentation. We actually put the patient in one on the day of surgery.  Most of my breast augmentations are done using an incision in the fold under the breast and these patient do fine in an underwire bra as well.As far as the sagging is concerned, it is difficult to answer without seeing you in person, but in general I do not think that an augmentation gives the breast any lift.  If your breast is truly sagging then you may need a surgical breast lift together with the augmentation.Best of luck.

Troy Austin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Though it is difficult to have a clear picture of your second question regarding avoiding a lift via augmentation alone without photos or an examination, your first question regarding use of underwire bras early after augmentation is very surgeon-specific.  If your incision is under the breast, most surgeons would want you to avoid underwire until the incision is healed (my protocol is 6 weeks).  For peri-areolar or transaxillary incisions, it probably does not really matter.  Some surgeons even recommend not wearing a bra at all, though most believe in early and late post-operative support (myself included).  If your breasts appear loose along the lower poles, it may be that your implants have not yet dropped into their final position.  Time, and sometimes massage or occasionally a support strap placed over the implants, will probably help.Always maintain close follow-up with your board-certified plastic surgeon, as minor problems are usually easy to fix early on with conservative measures and can usually avoid costly revision surgery in the future!

Surgeon recommends a under wire bra immediately after breast augmentation. Is it safe?

Answers (4)

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