Just had an implant removal yesterday. I only had the removal - no lift. Is there any reason why I shouldn't wear a sports bra?

You made the big step to remove your implants and without a lift. This is a great question because many patients like to avoid a lift after removal of the implants.The good news is that the breast has the ability to shrink on its own after implants are removed. The amount of shrinkage is unpredictable. Some patients can shrink a lot and some patients may not shrink back at all. I think it’s safe to say that after 6 months you should know what the final results might look like. Very often patients will wait the six months to determine if a breast lift might be a good option. If the breasts shrink back adequately, then they avoid the external scars of a breast lift. I think it’s a logical strategy.As far as compression after removal of implants is concerned, I think most patients will appreciate some sort of support as their breasts go through the “shrinking” process. There is no hard or steadfast rule on what to wear after removal of breast implants, but most patients will feel more comfortable with compression. Compression can come in the form of an ace bandage or very supportive sports bras. Patients might also like to use compression shirts or normal bras. Really, the choice is up to you and what you feel more comfortable with. A little bit of compression may assist the “shrinking” process.The good news is that your breasts should improve in shape after removal of the implant. If you like the shape after six months, then you should be fine. If you feel you might want some skin tightening after 6 months, a breast lift can be considered. The type of compression you wear today should be adjusted to make you feel comfortable and might assist in the “shrinking process”.Good Luck!

hello jrenewill You should visit or contact your plastic surgeon about this concern. #incision #post-op

Hello,I think wearing a sports bra is a good idea as you generally will want some compression. Be sure to talk with your surgeon about this. All the best, Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

The best advice will come from the PS who removed your saline implants.  My patients like the support and compression the sports bra provides.  The smaller the implant and the less the amount of time it has been since placement, the greater the chance the breasts will return to their preoperative state.  The breasts will likely be flattening and drooping that can be corrected in large part with a breast lift. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear jrenewill,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Typically patients will go home with bandages after surgery and compression is recommended for approximately two weeks. This gives support to the tissues and helps to manage swelling. I encourage you to reach out to your surgeon for direction.

Thank you for your important question.After implants are removed the concern is that fluid not collect in the space previously occupied by the implant. I personally place a drain in this space for several days to allow the body to heal the space closed. During this time the patient wears a sports bra for support. If you were my patient, I would urge you to wear a sports bra and even wrap an elastic bandage around your upper chest for the first week after surgery.

You are best to ask your surgeon what type of garment is acceptable after surgery.  Best of luck.....