Is a Post Surgical Support Bra Supposed to be This Uncomfortable?

Question

I had an explant with lollipop breast lift, 1 week ago. I Went from a D cup back to my A cup. I had to get the smallest bra size support bra since I am only 29 inches around my rib cage. After I had the bandages removed and the support bra put on in the doctors office, the nurse said "it feels tight now because youre still swollen". Well it still feels very tight. VERY very tight. It's hard to sleep and it feels like the circulation in my breast area is being cut off. Is this normal?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

The surgical bra should be snug but not uncomfortable. If it's too tight you need to have your plastic surgeon replace or adjust it.  The bra is merely for comfort and support, it does not change your final outcome. It also helps hold some of the bandages in place.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The bra should not be causing you distress.  Talk to your surgeon or the nurse and explain that you are in serious discomfort from it.  I am sure they will help you out.  Call asap.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Your post surgical garments and bra should feel snug but certainly not feel like it is cutting off circulation.  I would suggest going to your local surgical supply store that sells post-surgical garments and they will be able to find you an appropriately fitting bra.

	 

	Good Luck.

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

The bra should be comfortable, not cutting off circulation.  Use a bigger bra, all it's supposed to be doing is supporting your tissues while they heal.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The postsurgical bra should not be uncomfortable;  if so it can cause problems with skin irritation, pigment changes, blisters,  and/or irritation of incision lines etc. Bring this issue up again with your surgeon's office who will be able to advise you or provide you with a larger bra.

	Best wishes.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

It is quite evident that the bra that you are wearing is the problem - it is far too small, causing excessive compression and should not be this tight. You should remove it and contact the plastic surgeon who performed your surgery as he may be unaware of this issue. 

	Often, you can find supportive bras in a variety of stores including even in some sports stores.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

The postoperative bra should be snug, but not painful. If you are experiencing this much discomfort, I recommend calling your physician. Particularly in the case of an explant/mastopexy, blood supply to the nipple should not be compromised by the bra. Your physician will likely order you a new, slightly larger bra which should be much more comfortable.

Tracy Pfeifer, MD · Answer

Hi Acup33

	Your bra should be comfortable post-op.  Yes, your normal size may be too tight because you are swollen but you should not suffer.  if the band is too tight, you can get band extenders or just get a larger bra to wear temporarily.  Get a bra that is comfortable and supportive, the "size" does not matter; what matters is what fits. Hope this helps.

	Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MD

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Take it off! Get a slightly larger bra to have some relief and more comfort. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Jonathan J. Staiano, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Dear acup,

	The support bra is to give support and should be comfortable.  It sounds like yours is too tight and may be doing more harm than good.  Experiment with a bigger cup size or back size, or better still, get professionally fitted.

Is a Post Surgical Support Bra Supposed to be This Uncomfortable?

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