Can I wear an underwire, push-up bra 5 weeks after breast augmentation?

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a breast augmentation, I recommend they wear the Surgical bra we provide for the first 48 hours after surgery. After that, the only bra restriction is no underwire for 6 weeks post op. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

When recovering from breast augmentation, one of the most asked questions is ‘when can I wear an underwire or push-up bra?’ Patients are always anxious to try on clothing that accentuates their new form! Unfortunately, if you do so too soon it can slow down or even derail the healing process. One concern is if you wear an upward pushing bra, that the implant may heal in that high position and create an abnormally accentuated upper cleavage…this may look good in some outfits, but is not very natural looking and may look out of place in other situations. Also, underwire bras put pressure on the skin along the fold of the breast, often where the incision is. Usually this area is numb for a few months after surgery, and if the wire rubs it too much you may not feel it before it can cause damage. I have had patients actually develop an ulcer or hole in the skin from wearing too tight of an underwire bra. This can cause worse scarring or even exposure if the implant (necessitating implant removal). I recommend to my patients not to wear an underwire bra for at least 3 months after surgery. Usually by then the sensation has begun to normalize and you can feel if the wire rubs on the incision or if it is too tight. I also suggest checking after a couple of hours with a new bra to make sure it is not causing redness or irritation, and be ready with a spare bra to change into if you find this problem. The last thing you want to do is spoil the results you have worked so hard to achieve!

Hello,Thank you for your question!Each PS has different instructions for their post op patients. It may be best to consult with your PS for further instructions on wearing an underwire bra.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
Regards

Thank you for sharing your question.  Each surgeon has their own protocol for wearing of a normal underwire bra after surgery, so be sure to clear one’s use with your doctor.  That said after 5 weeks it is unlikely that any issue would arise from use for a few hours.  Hope this helps.

 

Hi beth123_44,



I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including wearing of bra) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.



Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Beth.  It is best to consult with the surgeon that performed your operation for specific advice. Generally speaking, I ask my breast augmentation patients to refrain from using underwire bras for a full six months after surgery. The underwire sometimes pushes the implants up to a higher position in the pocket than desired and they can get stuck up there. Hopefully, you should not need to have your breasts pushed up to fill out your gown, thanks to your breast augmentation! Best of luck.

Thanks for your question. Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures.  I have patients wear a soft bra after breast augmentation for a few weeks to splint everything, and at that point the scars are generally very stable and we move to normal bras (or none) and long term scar management.  You should be ok to wear an underwire bra at this point. 

Hello congrats on your recent surgery!  I allow my patients to begin wearing an underwire bra at 3 weeks post op.  This far along helps with proper fitting of the new bra.  Be sure to check with your surgeon on their preference.  Best of luck and have fun at your work outing! 

Your plastic surgeon needs to advise you on styles based upon the route taken and the healing process. Most plastic surgeons would recommend at least six weeks without underwire bras.

Your plastic surgeon is the best person to answer questions about the use of  a push-up bra as s/he will know the specifics of your surgery.  Having said that,  I ask my patients to refrain from an underwire type of bra for 6 weeks but allow most patients at 5 weeks postop to wear the type of bra you describe for a party or a special occasion.  Best wishes