What Does Post-operation Bra Do to the New Breasts?

Hello. A post-operation bra provides compression, reduces pain, and supports the breasts. If you feel that your current bra is too tight, you should get a larger size, as long as it provides some support and compression.

 

Jaime Perez, MD
Breast Augmentation Specialist
Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Thanks for the question. I suggested the patients wear no underwear for a month after operation.  If you wear a bra, underwear much, it can hold the implants higher and block them from falling into position. This permits the implants to fall into position. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your question. I often recommend that patients find a sports bra that opens in the front and that is comfortable to wear. They can take breaks during the day and I also encourage breast massage after a week. It is important for your implants to move around and develop a comfortable space (or capsule) within the breast.  The bra should provide support, gentle compression to help with swelling and make your recovery process more comfortable.

The bra is supposed to provide support and compression to help prevent implant displacement and swelling. If it's too tight you should find another one that is snug but a little looser (but not too loose.)

A bra provides support and compression for the breasts for the first eight weeks. It prevents your implants from being displaced and also can minimize swelling to some extent. If your bra is uncomfortable, please talk to your surgeon.

In general post operative bras give support to the breasts while the new shape of the breast is forming. They help hold the implant in position while the capsule is forming around the breast. I like my patients in some kind of gentle support bra, not too tight, for at least 3 months. No wired bras should be used either. Bras should have no affect on your breast circulation.

Hello,

Most breast augmentation patients do not have a specific need for a bra in the early recovery period.  In fact, it is in this period that we are waiting for the breast tissue to relax and allow the implant to shape the breast as we have intended.  With larger breast implants and with thinner breast tissue it is conceivable that a bra in the early period of recovery will help maintain the implant position as the new capsule forms.  Since your plastic surgeon knows your body and goals better i would be ideal to ask him/her about the post-operative bra wearing instructions.

All the best,

Dr Remus Repta

Thank you for the question.

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this situation. You will find that you will probably receive conflicting/confusing advice online. Generally speaking, the bra should not make you feel “uncomfortable”  or too tight;  I would suggest that you loosen it for now and discuss details with your plastic surgeon.

Best wishes.

The support bra after augmentation should provide firm, but comfortable support - ideally along the lower and lateral borders of the breasts.  If it is uncomfortable or painful, then it is too tight.  Front clasps or zippers work the best in terms of ease of use.  These plans are surgeon dependent, so you should check with yours to confirm what he or she recommends.

If the bra is too tight and uncomfortable you should notify your surgeon to discuss options or their preferences.  In my practice, I recommend patients where a loose fitting bra that closes in the front, so they don't have to reach around their back, for three weeks.  Bras that are too tight may hold the implants up high and prevent them from dropping.  This could lead to the need for further surgery to reposition or lower an implant that ends up sitting to high.