Ask a doctor

Can Tight Bras Cause Breast Augmentation Complications?

There are a lot of studies that conclude that lymphatic constriction caused by tight bras can cause cancer. There are also articles that state poorly fitting bras cause the implants to be pushed around in unnatural ways. And loose bras let breasts sag. Finally, there are articles that state tight bras cause scar tissue. My question is this: can you conclusively state that tight bras do not cause or worsen bottoming out, capsular contracture (reduced lymphatic flow), and symmestasia?

Doctor Answers 4

Bra and breast augmentation complications

July 26th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

General generally speaking, there is no scientific association between the bra and the conditions you described. Complications such as symastia, lateral and inferior meal position of implants are related to factors other than the bra shape and tightness. The shape of the aggrevate or accentuate an existing problem, but unlikely to be the direct cause. Best wishes.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD


San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

July 26th, 2012

Bra and breast augmentation complications

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

General generally speaking, there is no scientific association between the bra and the conditions you described. Complications such as symastia, lateral and inferior meal position of implants are related to factors other than the bra shape and tightness. The shape of the aggrevate or accentuate an existing problem, but unlikely to be the direct cause. Best wishes.


San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Bras after Breast Augmentation?

July 25th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for the question.

You are obviously a good researcher and I'm sure you know that all kinds of studies exist that conclude all kinds of things. The conclusions of the studies of course are only as good as the quality of the research performed.

 Although I cannot “conclusively state” anything, I can give you my opinion that loose or tight bras are not primarily responsible for any type of  breast implant  related complication.  In regards to breast implant malposition problems, most good plastic surgeon's word first look towards  what we have done technically as a potential cause of the implant malposition. In other words, issues such as over dissection of the breast implant pocket may be responsible for eventual breast implant displacement/malposition.

I do not know of any conclusive study that definitively proves that loose or tight fitting bras cause any major postoperative complication after breast augmentation surgery. However, tight fitting bras can cause problems such as discomfort, prolonged swelling, skin irritation, and/or blistering.

 I hope this helps

Web reference: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_breastAugmentation.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
July 25th, 2012

Bras after Breast Augmentation?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for the question.

You are obviously a good researcher and I'm sure you know that all kinds of studies exist that conclude all kinds of things. The conclusions of the studies of course are only as good as the quality of the research performed.

 Although I cannot “conclusively state” anything, I can give you my opinion that loose or tight bras are not primarily responsible for any type of  breast implant  related complication.  In regards to breast implant malposition problems, most good plastic surgeon's word first look towards  what we have done technically as a potential cause of the implant malposition. In other words, issues such as over dissection of the breast implant pocket may be responsible for eventual breast implant displacement/malposition.

I do not know of any conclusive study that definitively proves that loose or tight fitting bras cause any major postoperative complication after breast augmentation surgery. However, tight fitting bras can cause problems such as discomfort, prolonged swelling, skin irritation, and/or blistering.

 I hope this helps

Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_breastAugmentation.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS

Breast Enhancement Surgery

January 9th, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I would be interested in the data you are desrcibing as I have never come accross it I suggest you go see a local breast surgeon to help understand what is know about breast disease
Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC
January 9th, 2014

Breast Enhancement Surgery

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I would be interested in the data you are desrcibing as I have never come accross it I suggest you go see a local breast surgeon to help understand what is know about breast disease
Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC

Bras after augmentation

July 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I have never heard  that wearing a tight bra can cause cancer or any of the other problems you mention.  I do recommend that patients wear a bra after breast augmentation to take the weight of the implant off the skin and hopefully this will prevent sagging.  Many plastic surgeons have different recommendations regarding wearing a bra after surgery, but I am not aware of any scientific studies  about the issue.

Web reference: http://edelsonplastic.com/breast/breast-augmentation/

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
July 30th, 2012

Bras after augmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I have never heard  that wearing a tight bra can cause cancer or any of the other problems you mention.  I do recommend that patients wear a bra after breast augmentation to take the weight of the implant off the skin and hopefully this will prevent sagging.  Many plastic surgeons have different recommendations regarding wearing a bra after surgery, but I am not aware of any scientific studies  about the issue.

Learn more: http://edelsonplastic.com/breast/breast-augmentation/

Ronald J. Edelson, MD

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.