Surgical bra post-op: I am worried that because my original one hasn't been washed yet that it could cause infection if worn?

Hi! It is normal to wear a post op bra 3-6 weeks after surgery. Keep in mind as time moves on and swelling decreases your original bra will fit more a bit more loose. You should be able to take it off to wash and dry it. If you're not sure I would double check with your surgeon. 

Congratulations on your surgical procedure.  Please keep in mind that every physician is different with their post operative instructions.  It should be okay to take off the surgical bra and wash it.  Replace the bra once cleaned and continue wearing for a total of 6 weeks.  Some patients feel more comfortable to continue wearing the bra for several weeks after their 6 weeks. Best of luck !

As you have mentioned, you are to wear your surgical bra for six weeks after your procedure.  While you are washing your original bra, you can use your back up bra with the guaze to protect your incision.  You may want to give your Plastic surgeon a call and see if you have purchase a second surgical bra which you seem to like better.  Good luck.

Thank you for your question. Normally, I recommend patients to get two bras, so they can wash and wear. I would wear your second bra while you are washing and drying the first one. That way you can make sure it is clean and less likely to cause an infection. Consult with your plastic surgeon for further questions.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Many surgeons require their patients to wear a compression surgical bra after surgery to help with swelling. You can wash this bra a  few days after surgery, and it is ok to wear a different bra while the surgical bra is being washed and dried. Some patients will wash their surgical bra and place it in the dryer before they shower, then the surgical bra will be clean and ready after showering. You can most certainly wear a different bra while your surgical bra is being cleaned. If you have any questions or concerns I would consult your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the question, it only takes a few hours at best to wash the surgical bra. I would recommend washing it and then you can continue with your great progress!

You should be discussing this with your Plastic Surgeon.  He/She is the best resource for this issue.

Go ahead and wash your bra if needed. Wear the second bra while the first one is washing and drying.

Postoperative hygiene is very important as you suggest. The last thing that a surgeon or patient wants after a breast augmentation is for the patient to get an infection! Protecting incisions is a key part of the process. One of the reasons I insist that my patients get a nonunderwire, snug, sports bra after breast augmentation is that I don't want the wire irritating my incision (which I usually place under the breast in the inframmamary fold). I want the bra to be snug for comfort and help decrease the chance of fluid collections, seromas, and hematomas. I would be very uncomfortable if my patients wore unclean postoperative garments for any length of time. I always insist that they have "one to wash and one to wear". It might be a good idea to get another better fitting garment so you can wash one and wear the other. But as with any question of this type is is very important to speak with your surgeon and follow his or her recommendations.
I hope this helps!

Hi Lelib18,
Based on the information that you have provided and the fact that I don't know all your details (i.e. surgical site etc). I would advise you to wash your bra. You should just swap the two bras that you have while you wash the one you prefer. 

I hope this helps. 
Dr. White