No surgical bra after BA? (Photo)

Question

After getting my BA on 12-19 550cc silicone under, I was sent home with the band to wear to help push down the implants, however I was surprised when I wasn't sent home with a surgical bra, and told to wear the band for one week and then no bra of ANY kind until my ps says I can, to prevent hardening of the pockets and allow the implants to fall to the proper position, but then I read of all these woman who are supposed to wear them for weeks, so bra or no bra what's the deal?

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every doctor has different protocol for their post-op care. I personally have my patients wear a surgical bra after surgery, but it is best to follow your doctors instructions. Remember that you trusted them to perform the surgery and you should trust their instructions for all your post-op care.

If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and recovery, you can download a free copy of my breast augmentation planner at ABetterBreast.com.

If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and recovery, you can download a free copy of my breast augmentation planner at ABetterBreast.com.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

A very wise mentor once told me that a great surgical outcome is dependent on two things: the surgeon's ability to perform a meticulous surgery and the patient's innate ability to heal. External devices (bras, ace wraps, gauze, etc.) may provide patient comfort or support but will not give you an excellent surgical result. I don't place my patients in a bra or use a band or tape to shape the breast tissues because my surgical technique does that, along with the body's healing process. Every surgeon has a different post-operative protocol, however, so I would follow the recommendations of your operating surgeon. Good luck!

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Every surgeon is different in their advice regarding wearing garments after breast augmentation.  I do not place patients in a bra or garment after surgery.  As every surgeon does their surgery differently, it is best for you to follow the advice of your surgeon who likely has good reasons why he has suggested you wear a band and not any other type of garment.  Best wishes for your recovery!

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Bras help with comfort and breast position maintenance. They have not been shown via a study to help with contracture, positioning of implants, and outcomes.  Excellent surgery, matching the correct implant to the person and breast will result in an excellent result.   I do not recommend ever an postoperative bra routinely to position an implant for breast augmentation or breast implant surgery for making the breast larger.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There is nothing magic about a post-surgical bra.  I provide one for support and comfort but other plastic surgeons may choose to handle the breasts differently.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery.  There is wide arrange of opinions of bra wearing after surgery. It is very surgeon specific and I would just follow the instructions your surgeon has already given you. Good luck on the rest of your recovery.