Are post surgery bra's for support or to keep compression?

The use of a post-surgical bra following breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction) is for both support and compression. Providing good support is more important than excessive compression. The ‘support’ will decrease post-operative pain and discomfort, reduce early stress on the skin closures, and help reduce dependent swelling within the breast. The ‘compression’ will help reduce swelling and enhance its resolution.

In fact, any type of garment that provides breast support and compression can be utilized. Immediately after the operation, I place patients in a Surgilast tube top. This is a tubular elastic dressing that has a fishnet appearance. It is easy to place and avoids the need to worry about a properly fitting bra. Some patients continue this post-op and others change to a sports or other comfortable bra. I emphasize to my patients that whatever they chose to wear should provide support and compression, but most of all be comfortable. I want my patients to actually wear the garment for its benefits, so I certainly don’t want the garment to increase post-op discomfort.

I recommend that patients wear post-op support and compression (every day, all day) for 6 weeks following surgery. During this time I prefer that they avoid an under wire bra. Patients can begin wearing an under wire bra after their swelling has subsided, the inframammary skin closures are healed and non-tender, and their implants have settled like I expect.

It does sound as if the bra you are wearing is too tight, and you should find one that fits more comfortably. I’m sure your surgeon can offer some suggestions to help you.

Best wishes. Ken Dembny

Post op bras are typically for both support and compression. However, if your bra is causing discomfort then you should try a different brand / style / or larger size. Of the two, compression vs support, typically the support characteristics of the bra are the more important. You should check with your surgeon to see if they have any specific recommendations for your body and surgical recovery!

Post-surgery bras are usually for support, not for compression because the skin will be stretched after the operation and will require the support to over extend. 

Post-op garments are used for a combination of both support and compression.  We all have different preferences when it comes to post surgery garments.  Please see your surgeon so she or he can evaluate the fit of your bra.  Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

It's a great question. I don't use any special bras in my office, but many surgeons use a surgical bra for support. Some doctors may use a wrap, or a tighter surgical bra, for compression. Some people believe that this may stop a hematoma, which is a collection of blood around the breast implant.

Like many things in surgery, there is no consensus on the use of surgical bras after a breast augmentation. However, I'm sure all surgeons would advise that you wear something that minimises your discomfort, and not contribute to your level of discomfort. Given this, it is always best to bring such concerns to the attention of your surgeon and they will advise what is most appropriate for you given your circumstances.Personally, I do not believe the use a compression dressing/bandage/bra after surgery serves any purpose other than to make the patients feel more uncomfortable. It certainly doesn't control swelling, or most importantly it would not logically improve the long term results.Having said that, all our patients are placed in a "surgical bra" after surgery. These are light fitting bras designed to simply support the breasts, and therefore provide a degree of comfort. They are not used to apply any significant compression. This is put on at the end of surgery so that when my patients wake up it's already on. I firmly believe that gentle support of the breasts provides a great deal of comfort during the early recovery phase. Furthermore, I believe all breasts newly augmented or old, need constant support.All my patients are advised to wear this surgical bra for 6 weeks. However, we advise all our patients to purchase one or two inexpensive sports bras or crop tops so they have something to wear when they're washing the other during this first six week period.At the 6 week stage once most of the swelling has resolved, all our patients are then advised to be formally fitted for new bras.

Thank you for your question.  The use of a surgical bra post-op following a breast augmentation, lift or reduction surgery is for both compression and support, as well as comfort.  If you are experiencing tingling of your breasts or back while wearing your sports bra, I would recommend following up with your doctor for an in-person evaluation as your sports bra is most likely too tight.  I have my patients wear a light weight compression sports bra after surgery to help reduce swelling and to decrease post-op discomfort by supporting the breasts 24/7 for the first 4 weeks after their procedure.  Wearing a sports bra in this way should help to reduce stress on your incisions as well as the post-op swelling and should keep you comfortable and supported.  The key here is light compression and light support. 

Every doctor has different post op instructions so you should ask your surgeon what would work for you. The dressings vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be placed in a sports bra; others will wear a stabilizing elastic support strap. Your doctor will decide after surgery and in subsequent weeks, which dressing will suit your needs and how long you would need to wear them.

Thank you for your question. My patients will have a surgical bra that I place at the time of surgery. They normally wear this for the first week or two and then transition to a sports bra that opens in the front. This is for both support and compression.  By six weeks, if their implants have sufficiently descended, I let my patients know they can start wearing a normal bra (including a push-up bra). They may still undergo some changes which can change their bra preferences a few months later.

Post-operative bras are utilized in breast augmentation
patients for several reasons.In the
immediate post-operative period, patients have significant pain and
discomfort.These symptoms are often
related to the severe swelling that may accompany this procedure. In an
effort to minimize swelling and remodel soft tissue, surgeons often use
compression bras following breast augmentation surgery.They believe that compression helps minimize
swelling and accelerates the recovery process.Even when they don’t use post-operative bras, they often wrap their
patients with a compressive ace wrap dressing.A loose
fitting bra might be more comfortable, but probably won’t help minimize
swelling.For this reason, it’s
important to discuss this issue with your surgeon before switching bras.