How tight should your surgical bra be after breast augmentation?

Question

I knew it wouldn’t be “comfortable” But it really actually hurts. The only pain I have is from the bruising that is now spreading around my ribcage from the base of the bra my PS gave me to wear. Do these come in different sizes? The one I have on says “34C”. My measurement under my boobs is 35”, and underneath the armpit is 37”. I feel like this is cutting off circulation. Is this normal? (I have visible marks where the bra is digging into shoulders/ribcage)

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Hi abcmommy,
That is a very good question! At our practice, we recommend a soft comfortable bra that isn't too binding for the first three to four weeks. We send home all of our breast augmentation patients home in a recovery bra at their one day post op visit. However, every surgeon does have their own preferences according to the type of breast augmentation procedure that was performed. The best thing to do, is to check with your surgeon to find out what they suggest for your particular case. Best of Luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

abcmommy.  Your surgical bra should be snug but not tight and certainly not painful! Please call your plastic surgeon ASAP to confirm my advice, however I would remove the bra if it is causing you such extreme discomfort. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Your post surgical garment should be snug, not tight or painful.  I would see your surgeon to ensure you have an appropriate fitting bra, your swelling from surgery is reasonable, and the bruising that appears to be spreading is not a hematoma.  Hope this helps.

Michael Cohen, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for your question.  Surgical garments are intended to be snug and supportive, but never tight to the point of pain.  If your bra is causing you this much pain, you need to loosen the bra and let your surgeon know.  You can buy a better fitting soft sports bra as soon as possible that zips in the front and does not have underwires (nor sure where you are located, but in the United States, Wal-Mart tends to carry a decent selection of such bras, and there is a Wal-Mart in almost every town, making the search easier and less pricy).  The other thing you should let your surgeon know is about your bruising, which sounds like it might be excessive.  Without seeing a photo, it is difficult to see how much bruising you are having, but if it is extensive and spreading, then that's not normal after a breast augmentation, and your surgeon needs to know about it right away.  Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear abcmommy,Every surgeon has a preferred type of bra that they let their patients wear after breast augmentation, as this would depend on various factors like the type of surgery performed and the size of the implant used. You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her advice. Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. While your surgical bra is meant to be snug, it shouldn’tfeel like it’s cutting off circulation and it certainly shouldn’t leave marks in your skin. If you’re inserious discomfort or pain from wearing this garment, I would recommend taking it off andcalling your plastic surgeon. He or she should be able to help you find a better-fitting garmentfor the remainder of your recovery.

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Dear abcmommy,I would certainly contact your surgeon's office and let them know you are having pain.  Swelling after surgery is normal and having some tightness of a post operative bra is common as well.  It could be you just need a little larger size.  The main concern to rule out is a breast hematoma given you have mentioned bruising.  I personally have my own post op bra routine for my patients but it stops as soon it’s too uncomfortable for the patient.Andre Levesque M.D.

How tight should your surgical bra be after breast augmentation?

Answers (7)

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