Bra or no bra after BA? And how long?

Question

After surgery - how long is it required to wear a bra? And what recommendations are there for wearing vs. not wearing a bra? I'm sure my surgeon will tell me all this in due time - but I'm curious about what recommandations there is. I'm sure they might differ.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

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.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

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.

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Bra or no bra after BA? And how long?

Answers (9)

Answer: Post Op Bra

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