What Type of Bra Should I Wear After the Wrap is Removed from Having a Breast Reduction?

Question

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an excellent question which should be discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery. I prefer more support immediately after a breast reduction and place a dressing with Ace wraps. The dressing is removed at the first post-operative visit and a sports bra which fastens in the front or a post-surgical bra is placed. A bra with a soft foundation may be worn after 6 weeks. I would recommend a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

At my Long Island, NY practice, I have breast reduction patients wear a supportive surgical bra over the bandaged breasts immediately after the procedure. I instruct patients to continue wearing a surgical bra or sports bra for 3-6 weeks to ensure they get the best possible results. Of course, different plastic surgeons have varied postoperative instructions, and you should follow the recommendation of your surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Every doctor has different post op instructions so you should ask your surgeon what would work for you. The dressings vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be placed in a sports bra; others will wear a stabilizing elastic support strap. Your doctor will decide after surgery and in subsequent weeks, which dressing will suit your needs

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In the immediate
post-operative period a compression bra offers significant advantages for wound
healing. Compression minimizes discomfort, swelling, pain, seroma formation,
hematoma formation and wound breakdown. In addition, it provides support to the
wound closure and helps shape the breast.

We place all of our
patients in a compressive support bra before they leave the operating room.
This is continued for at least three weeks following surgery. At this point,
patients are switched into a sports bra without an underwire for an additional
three months.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

What Type of Bra Should I Wear After the Wrap is Removed from Having a Breast Reduction?

	
	I generally have my patients wear a postop bra right out of the operating room that provides some support and compression and it clips in the front.  Patients are to wear this type of a bra for 1-2 months.  Once the incisions have healed and the patients are comfortable then I have them start wearing a good supportive underwire bra.

	Good luck.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

The best bra to wear after a breast reduction is a surgical bra. A surgical bra has support for the breast, provides some compression, and does not have an underwire. Given that we typically make incisions under the breast in surgery, we like to keep the bras soft, instead of a common bra with an underwire, which can cause pressure on the incision, cause pain, etc. I typically ask my patients not to wear a regular bra with an underwire for 6 weeks after surgery. The other options after about 2 weeks is switching to a sports bra. 
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Your surgeon will advise you what to wear after the wraps are removed;  generally, this will be a soft supportive bra.

	Best wishes.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your enquiry, we do not actually use a wrap after breast reduction and fit you immediately with a support bra.
	
	I would recommend that you wear a very comfortable sports bra which is elastic and does not constrict you and cause pressure in any of the areas while maintaining support.
	
	In the United Kingdom these bras are called support bras and I would recommend this rather than sports bras which tends to squeeze your breasts.
	
	Overall, I would advice you that comfort is the most comfort and support to the most important factors and it might be worth trying a variety of different bras to see which ones you feel most comfortable in.
	
	Best wishes yours sincerely,
	
	Adrian Richards
	Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
	Surgical Director of Aurora Clinics

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually place my patients in a loose fitting bra post-op. I do not wrap breasts. But, you should check with your surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

We actually have given up on chest wraps after breast reduction and place individuals in a bra right after. The surgical bra will provide support and some compression, however after two to three days any soft cup stretch bra will do. The soft bra day and night for the first two weeks may reduce swelling and bruising.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd