How long before you know your final bra size after breast augmentation?

Question

Hi there - I am wondering when patients know their final bra size after having primary breast augmentation (implants)? I've read that it is typically 3 months or more, but how much does the size typically change between month 1 post-opp and month 3 post-opp? Is it typically an entire bra size?

Aaron Gilson, DO · Answer

Typically most swelling or edema decreases by 3 to 6 months following the procedure. This can vary based on the type of augmentation performed, your healing, activity, and your anatomy. Each patient heals differently, hence the range. Sometimes the amount of swelling can be significant, though decreases gradually overtime. You should be safe by 6 months to shop for bras as early on you may find other bras more comfortable during your healing phase.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
It can take between 3 & 6 months for the implant to drop and settle into position. The size will not change much after that time. Best wishes!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Post-operative swelling can take up to a full year to resolve, with the majority of it decreasing within the first three months. After that three month period, you should have a general idea of your final bra size. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

For a standard, uncomplicated breast augmentation there is usually very little swelling of the breast afterward. There may be a slight change but not nearly a cup size. What does change is the implant position which tends to settle slightly downward and slightly laterally overtime. Some people interpret this as a loss of volume because they lose some of the fullness in the upper pole of the breast. I would think you’d be very close to knowing exactly what bra size you would need to have approximately one month after the surgery. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear digitalunicorn,
dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

George Volpe, MD · Answer

There are a number of changes that occur initially following surgery. There is swelling and contour changes often can occur up to about 4 to 5 months or even later following breast augmentation surgery. A bra that fits at two months postoperative may not fit well at six months. Determining bra cup size is also very difficult in general as there is no medical or fashion industry standard on what a cup size is. In my practice, a number of the wise patients that I have seen after long-term follow-up have recommended not getting final bras to wear until about six months out if one is hoping to achieve the best fit.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically swelling can last approximately 6 months after surgery. With that being said by 3 months or so you can typically get sized for a bra.  Best  of luck to you.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Breast implants need time to “drop and fluff.” The term refers to what happens to your implants as your skin stretches and your muscles relax. The implants move downward and outward sloooowly – about 1 percent a day. Watching their progress is like watching your hair grow. You don’t see a difference in your hair growth daily, but all of a sudden you need a haircut. Watch our “drop and fluff” video in the link below.
It’ll be about six weeks before your breast implants even begin to settle down and take on a more natural shape. Your breasts will be close to 80 percent settled and softened at three months.
It’s best to wait at least eight weeks before making a major investment in new bras. It takes that long for your augmented breasts to begin to settle into their new size and shape. At that time, you will be able to more accurately determine your postoperative size and get a truer fit. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Finding a bra that fits and is comfortable is one of the (many) challenges that are unique to women. That said, there are nearly as many bra choices as there are variations in women's breasts. As a rule, I recommend to my patient snot to spend a lot of money on more expensive bras for at least 6 weeks to three months since the results of surgery may take that long and even longer to settle in as "permanent" or "final". Your cup size is unlikely to change after six weeks, one though breast shape and implant position relative to your breast may still change a bit. In my practice we recommend a non-underwire bra that is comfortable and provides support from the bottom and sides for 4-6 weeks, day and night, 24/7 except for showering. After that time I recommend to my patents to carry on as they please, and wear any bra that works for them, or no bra at all, with the understanding that a decent breast size that is unsupported will sag with time. Best of luck to you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Usually 3 months is when the implant settles in and most of the swelling is gone and then we advise our patients to choose an appropriate bra for their new augmentation. The cup size wont change drastically from 1 m-3 months depending on the amount of initial swelling. We always advise at least wait the 6 weeks to also not put any pressure from an underwire on the IMF incision. For more info about post op care check out our webpage. Thank you !

How long before you know your final bra size after breast augmentation?

Answers (17)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

1 year post op, what can be causing dents between breast implants? Mentor memory gel 275cc (photos)

Down sizing my implants. Would a 270 cc or 295 cc implant be reasonable and subtle yet still full enough?

Will I recover from a breast augmentation in time for a wedding 18 days later?

Deciding on implant size. Is there a significant difference between 270 and 295 cc mod plus xtra by Mentor?

Breast pain 1 year after surgery. Should I be worried?

How do breast implants affect dental care? Are antibiotics necessary for every dental visit?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS