Can I use the same compression bra I had for my lift for my breast fat transfer?

Question

4 years ago i had a breast lift and my breasts became pointy in a way i dont like. My dr recommended i get a fat transfer to improve the shape. While explaining the recovery, she said i will wear the same compression bra i wore after my breast lift surgery. I'm confused..won't doing that cause the fat to die?

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question and the photo. 
Fat transfer is a great option to help increase breast volume and improve symmetry between two breasts. This is done usually through tiny incisions which heal with minimal scarring.
Breast lipofilling using fat grafting may require a few sessions (surgeries) to achieve a fuller cleavage, which is an important consideration for many patients.
Compression garment using a surgical bra will help minimize swelling after surgery and is typically recommended to wear for 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Surgeries in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
Best wishes and good luck. 
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear IJustWannaKnow,
every surgeon has a preferred type of bra that they let their patients wear after breast augmentation, as this would depend on various factors like the type of surgery performed and the size of the implant used. You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her advice. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If the bra is very compressive, I would choose one that is not to encourage all the fat grafts to survive.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

What we want to avoid after grafting tissue is movement. if use gentle pressure that holds things in place is fairly desirable while anything that allows movement went to pressure would be undesirable.
For example if grafting a skin graft on the wrist we may put the hand and wrist in a splint or cast.
So transfer is going to increase in volume but it’s not particularly good at changing the shape of breast tissue.
I suggest either including pictures(before and after) or consider getting some second opinions.
I performed a substantial number of these procedures and had for many years. Breast fat transfer and increase breast size by about 1/2 cup but it’s not a good procedure to change the shape of the breast.
If you want a different shape do you need a different procedure.
If your surgeon claims some thing then she should have lots of before and after pictures to demonstrate exactly what she is referring to, which is done in the past and show a proven track record.
The result of fat transfer are several even when it comes to just adding diffuse volume. The procedure is grossly lacking when it comes to adding volume in certain areas or changing the shape.
It simply doesn’t work well in that way.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can I use the same compression bra I had for my lift for my breast fat transfer?

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Can I use the same compression bra I had for my lift for my breast fat transfer?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast fat transfer and compression bra

Answer: Breast fat transfer and compression bra

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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