My doctor told me not to wear any surgical bra. I'm going to have my breast implants surgery in 2 days and everybody I knew wore a surgical bra after surgery. However, my doctor to wear nothing but looseshirt for 3 weeks. Would you please tell me is that good or bad? Thank you very much.
Should I Wear Surgical Bra After Breast Augmentation?
Doctor Answers 169
Dear Nurcan,
The short and sweet answer is that it probably makes no difference. Having said that, many surgeons have very specific beliefs about bra usage after breast augmentation. My approach to post-op bras is the following.
If I want the implant to drop (usually after a subpectoral or under the muscle augment), I have my patients go without a bra. I may also use a bandeau which pushes the implants down. This is because implants tend to ride high in the first few weeks after a subpectoral augment, and I want to get my patients to the final cosmetic result as soon as possible.
If I have inserted an implant in either the subfascial or subglandular space, I usually have patients wear a surgical bra, as I don't want the implants do drop or distort the position of the IMF. The IMF is the fold under the breast.
In cases where I have altered the IMF position for symmetry purposes, I will have patients wear an underwire bra to help define the new IMF.
There is no evidence for any of the above, but it makes sense to me. I suggest you ask your surgeon for their rationale/approach to post-op bra usage.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)
Dear Nurcan,
The short and sweet answer is that it probably makes no difference. Having said that, many surgeons have very specific beliefs about bra usage after breast augmentation. My approach to post-op bras is the following.
If I want the implant to drop (usually after a subpectoral or under the muscle augment), I have my patients go without a bra. I may also use a bandeau which pushes the implants down. This is because implants tend to ride high in the first few weeks after a subpectoral augment, and I want to get my patients to the final cosmetic result as soon as possible.
If I have inserted an implant in either the subfascial or subglandular space, I usually have patients wear a surgical bra, as I don't want the implants do drop or distort the position of the IMF. The IMF is the fold under the breast.
In cases where I have altered the IMF position for symmetry purposes, I will have patients wear an underwire bra to help define the new IMF.
There is no evidence for any of the above, but it makes sense to me. I suggest you ask your surgeon for their rationale/approach to post-op bra usage.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)
I have been doing breast augmentations for over 25 years and am currently fixing so many results from other doctors whose patients did not wear bras after surgery. The implants often drift down and out in those folks and this doesn't need to happen IF they wear a very specifically fit underwire bra with no pushup component. I have been doing this for about the last 4 years and have had zero implant malpositions in that time.
I have been doing breast augmentations for over 25 years and am currently fixing so many results from other doctors whose patients did not wear bras after surgery. The implants often drift down and out in those folks and this doesn't need to happen IF they wear a very specifically fit underwire bra with no pushup component. I have been doing this for about the last 4 years and have had zero implant malpositions in that time.
Thank you for your question. There is no consensus on the use of surgical bras after a breast augmentation. Some surgeons place every woman in a surgical bra, while others never use them. While every surgeon has reasons to believe that their choice is the right one, there has never been a definitive study that demonstrates if a bra is beneficial.
Personally, I place my patients in a light bra after the surgery to support the breasts. It seems to me that gentle support of the breasts would be more comfortable in the early recovery phase.
If you have concerns, I would ask your surgeon. He/She should be able to discuss their rational.
Best of luck with your breasts.
Jeff Rockmore
Thank you for your question. There is no consensus on the use of surgical bras after a breast augmentation. Some surgeons place every woman in a surgical bra, while others never use them. While every surgeon has reasons to believe that their choice is the right one, there has never been a definitive study that demonstrates if a bra is beneficial.
Personally, I place my patients in a light bra after the surgery to support the breasts. It seems to me that gentle support of the breasts would be more comfortable in the early recovery phase.
If you have concerns, I would ask your surgeon. He/She should be able to discuss their rational.
Best of luck with your breasts.
Jeff Rockmore
You might also like...
A surgical bra is not necessary for a good result after surgery. It is surgeons preference whether or not to use a bra post surgery. Most of the time with breast augmentation I use an ace bandage to hold breasts in place and reduce swelling on the upper part of the breast. Again, this is surgeon's preference.
Web reference: http://www.jaimeperezmd.com
A surgical bra is not necessary for a good result after surgery. It is surgeons preference whether or not to use a bra post surgery. Most of the time with breast augmentation I use an ace bandage to hold breasts in place and reduce swelling on the upper part of the breast. Again, this is surgeon's preference.
Learn more: http://www.jaimeperezmd.com
Thank you for your question.
I have my patients go "bra-less" after the firts few days after Breast Augmentation.
My concern is that the bra will hold the implants in one position and that capsule will form and make the implants fell firmer.
ZI prefer that the implants be free to move freely and enlarge the naturally forming implant capsule. This will hopefully prevent capsular contracture in the future.
Web reference: http://drseckel.com/surgical-procedures/result-oriented-breast-augmentation-breast-enlargement/
Thank you for your question.
I have my patients go "bra-less" after the firts few days after Breast Augmentation.
My concern is that the bra will hold the implants in one position and that capsule will form and make the implants fell firmer.
ZI prefer that the implants be free to move freely and enlarge the naturally forming implant capsule. This will hopefully prevent capsular contracture in the future.
Learn more: http://drseckel.com/surgical-procedures/result-oriented-breast-augmentation-breast-enlargement/
Excellent question which demonstrates just how much opinions diverge among us.
I personally see NO technical or medical scientific reason to use surgical bras in the immediate postoperative period with the vast majority of breast augmentations. My patients do not have dressings that need to be held on and they are MUCH more comfortable without bras (or the use of bandeaux). After all, why would ANYONE with freshly augmented breasts enjoy the additional pressure of a surgical bra on their sore, somewhat swollen breast?
I would allow it ONLY if the request came from the patient (especially with large implants) who states that SHE would feel more comfortable wearing a bra.
In summary, I think your surgeon right.
Good Luck.
Excellent question which demonstrates just how much opinions diverge among us.
I personally see NO technical or medical scientific reason to use surgical bras in the immediate postoperative period with the vast majority of breast augmentations. My patients do not have dressings that need to be held on and they are MUCH more comfortable without bras (or the use of bandeaux). After all, why would ANYONE with freshly augmented breasts enjoy the additional pressure of a surgical bra on their sore, somewhat swollen breast?
I would allow it ONLY if the request came from the patient (especially with large implants) who states that SHE would feel more comfortable wearing a bra.
In summary, I think your surgeon right.
Good Luck.
Every instruction should have a purpose and rationale. Immediately post-op, a bra is usually used to protect the tissues, hold dressings in place, and prevent extra movement of the implants. Pain can be helped with the bra. However, some patients will have more discomfort with a tight bra pressing the surgical area and then the bra may not be helpful. If your surgeon thinks the implants will help stretch the soft tissues and needs the implants to settle, he might want the implants to "swing freely" and thus advise going without a bra. Also, your comfort level will have an nfluence as to whether or not a bra is recommended.
Every instruction should have a purpose and rationale. Immediately post-op, a bra is usually used to protect the tissues, hold dressings in place, and prevent extra movement of the implants. Pain can be helped with the bra. However, some patients will have more discomfort with a tight bra pressing the surgical area and then the bra may not be helpful. If your surgeon thinks the implants will help stretch the soft tissues and needs the implants to settle, he might want the implants to "swing freely" and thus advise going without a bra. Also, your comfort level will have an nfluence as to whether or not a bra is recommended.
In my practice we always provide a surgical bra designed by a medical company specifically designed to be worn immediately after breast augmentation surgery. This is part of the recovery and it is included in the fee for breast augmentation surgery.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions of your surgeon and to keep all of your post-operative appointments. Also report any questions or concerns to your plastic surgeon immediately.
Michael Law MD
Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honors Society
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, International Society of Plastic Surgeons
Certified, American Board Plastic Surgery
Phi Beta Kappa
Web reference: http://www.michaellawmd.com/before-after-photos.html
In my practice we always provide a surgical bra designed by a medical company specifically designed to be worn immediately after breast augmentation surgery. This is part of the recovery and it is included in the fee for breast augmentation surgery.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions of your surgeon and to keep all of your post-operative appointments. Also report any questions or concerns to your plastic surgeon immediately.
Michael Law MD
Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honors Society
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, International Society of Plastic Surgeons
Certified, American Board Plastic Surgery
Phi Beta Kappa
Learn more: http://www.michaellawmd.com/before-after-photos.html
Every surgeon is a bit different on this topic. I recommend a surgical bra to most of my breast augmentation patients. I feel the compression helps control swelling and adds support in the early healing period. I sometimes use a stabilizing band to compress the upper pole in patients with tight skin to help with settling.
There probably is not a right answer here. Pick a surgeon you trust and then trust their judgement with their recovery protocol. If they consistently get good results with the way they do things you are in good hands.
Best wishes,
Michael Vennemeyer, MD
Every surgeon is a bit different on this topic. I recommend a surgical bra to most of my breast augmentation patients. I feel the compression helps control swelling and adds support in the early healing period. I sometimes use a stabilizing band to compress the upper pole in patients with tight skin to help with settling.
There probably is not a right answer here. Pick a surgeon you trust and then trust their judgement with their recovery protocol. If they consistently get good results with the way they do things you are in good hands.
Best wishes,
Michael Vennemeyer, MD
There is not much of a consensus on this question. I personally have my patients use a knit cotton surgical bra for the first week after surgery. It clasps in the front and is easy to take on and off without having to raise your hands over your head. I think that it helps some with swelling and minimizes movement which can help with discomfort. I then have them find a sports bra that they are comfortable with after the first week. There really is no published data that indicates that what I suggest is right or wrong, but it works well for my patients.
There is not much of a consensus on this question. I personally have my patients use a knit cotton surgical bra for the first week after surgery. It clasps in the front and is easy to take on and off without having to raise your hands over your head. I think that it helps some with swelling and minimizes movement which can help with discomfort. I then have them find a sports bra that they are comfortable with after the first week. There really is no published data that indicates that what I suggest is right or wrong, but it works well for my patients.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
You might also like...
Related Content
Breast Augmentation Recovery: What Can I Expect?
370 doctor answers
How Long Do I Have to Sleep on my Back After Breast Augmentation?
86 doctor answers
When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?
382 doctor answers
What Are the Effects if I Keep Wearing my Sports Bra After Breast...
24 doctor answers
Ask a Doctor
Get personalized answers from board-certified doctors. For free.
Breast Augmentation Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
Breast Augmentation Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
Breast Augmentation Videos
- 1 comment
- 2 likes
