Bra or no bra after BA? And how long?

Thank you for your question!
I will talk about both surgical bras and regular bras.Please know that each plastic surgeon may have their own
opinion that is based on their education, preferences, and personal experience.
There are currently no guidelines or research-based evidence that supports or
rejects the use of surgical bras after breast surgery.
That being said, various patient preference studies in
literature, and from my own personal experience, patients experience less
post-operative discomfort in a bra after surgery and prefer the additional
support.
The support by the bra may prevent the implant’s movement
and therefore minimizing the risk of malposition of the implant in the newly
created pocket. Sometimes, the bra may prevent the implants from dropping
adequately. So it truly depends on your breasts and how they respond to the
implants.
Similarly, with regards to regular bras, there is still no scientific literature that recommends
or rejects the regular use of bras after breast augmentation, and neither is
there a consensus among majority of the plastic surgeons.
We do know that gravity acts on the breast tissue and implant
over the long-term resulting in significant downward pressure on the breasts. This
affects the shape and appearance of the breasts. Overtime, the breasts may sag,
stretch/loosen, and the implants may bottom out without adequate support.
As such, I feel it is an appropriate recommendation to wear a
bra for support following breast augmentation surgery, especially when large
implants have been used for augmentation.
Each patient’s situation is unique, and it should be
individualized, and going bra-less occasionally for few hours should not be a
concern.
However, I would recommend against going bra-less for the
long-term, otherwise you may need a breast lift sooner than required had your
worn your regular support bra.
Please relay your questions and concerns to your
board-certified plastic surgeon, and their instructions should take precedence
over everything you read on here.
I hope this helps.

Hello,Thank you for your question. Each Plastic Surgeon will have their own, preferred, post op protocols. I advise my patients to wear a specialized, supportive, compression bra after their procedure and I provide this. My patients wear this day and night for 8 weeks. I advise against underwire bras during that time to ensure optimal healing. Your Plastic Surgeon may have a preferred bra and may provide it for you or make suggestions for what to have ready. I recommend that you ask them what they advise for you,All the best

Thank you for your question.  You are absolutely right, the recommendations do differ from doctor to doctor.  It is best to check with your physician to find out their recommendation and protocol after breast augmentation.  You can check with them at your next follow up appointment, or contact the office to find out, if you need to know sooner.If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and the recovery process you can download a free copy of my breast augmentation planner at aBetterBreast.com.

You are correct in thinking that opinions on this will vary. I have patients wear a surgical bra after their augmentation. This gives gentle support to the breasts while they are healing. I ask patients to avoid underwire bras initially to avoid undue pressure on the sutures as sensation may be altered. Eventually patients will be able to select and wear any bra they choose. Your surgeon will advise what is recommended for you.

Thank you for your question!  I recommend my patients wear a surgical bra following surgery for up to 6 weeks.  It will help with the swelling you have following the procedure.  

HI!  I like my patients to wear compression post op because I think it makes them more comfortable.  The compression can be a surgical bra, sports bra or cami.  I do not want them to wear a bra that lifts the breast because I like my implants to settle especially if they are under the muscle.  You should ask you surgeon for their protocol.

Thank you for your question.It is best to check with your surgeon as it depends on the surgical procedure and the implants.Also check with your surgeon as to which type of bra will be best for you.

In my practice if patients are more comfortable wearing a bra I have them continue wearing a bra  for the first few weeks after augmentation.  However if patients are comfortable without a bra and I am happy with the position of the implant, I will encourage patient is to go without a bra to allow the implant to move and drop. Vascular surgeon about breast implant displacement exercises.

Thank you for your question.Ultimately, this is up to your plastic surgeon. I would recommend discussing their post operative protocols with you so you have a clear understanding. Every plastic surgeon will have slightly different aftercare instructions which work for them and their patients. Generally, by 7 weeks I tell my patients they can stop wearing a bra if they like and can also start wearing bra’s with underwire after 6 weeks. I also recommend that my patients refrain from easing back into their regular fitness routine for up to 6 weeks but to remember that it may take some time for them to return to their previous strength. Best of luck in your recovery. Sincerely,
James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science