Is It Ok to Not Wear a Surgical Bra or a Sports Bra After a Breast Reduction?

Question

I just had a breast reduction (from a h to a c) four days ago. I went for an Appointment today and he took the drains out and the bandages off and told me I can take a shower in a few days. I asked if I needed to wear a surgical bra or a sports bra and he said no. They need to soften up. I feel really uncomfortable and was in a lot of pain all the way home. Is this a Normal practice for plastic surgeons? Everything I've read online it says that that wear a surgical bra right out of the hospital.

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 and how long you would need to wear them.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

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 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.  Most important is a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding this procedure.  Don’t settle for less!

Navid Jallali, MB ChB (Hons), MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

This is a very personal choice however, I would recommend a sports bra for a number of reasons. The main reason is that sports bras do not have a cup size and hence will accommodate the breast whilst it is swollen. They also offer better support which helps with the shape of the breast in the six weeks after surgery.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

I would follow your surgeon's instructions closely. After breast reduction, my patients do not wear any bra for the first week. Once the swelling and discomfort have decreased, then they will start wearing a loose fitting sports bra. After six weeks, they can start wearing underwire bras. Congratulations on your surgery!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I often recommend that patients find a sports bra that opens in the front and that is comfortable to wear.  They can take breaks during the day and I also encourage breast lymphatic massage after a week to help reduce swelling.  I use the bra for both comfort and swelling reduction

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

I prefer that my patients wear either a sports bra, or a surgical bra for about 3-4 weeks after breast reduction surgery. I have found that this is most comfortable for my patients. Certainly, I would advised against wearing anything with an underwire, as this can irritate the fold incision. Depending on your size, you may find that going without any type of support is not comfortable.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

I would say that a majority of surgeons have patient wear some sort of support or compression (such as an ACE wrap) after surgery, but not all do. If you feel the support and compression would make you more comfortable, check with your surgeon first before doing this, but my patients all wear compression 24/7 for 4 weeks after surgery, so at least you know it will not harm your incisions are affect your healing in any way because a lot of people do it anyway.

Leo Kim, FRACS(Plast), MS(Plast), MBBS(Hons) · Answer

I get my patients to wear a wireless soft bra for 6 weeks after breast reduction not because it's a must from surgery but it's a comfort thing. It's going to be a little swollen and uncomfortable so soft supporting bra I find for my patients is useful. Having said this there may be a specific reason for your surgeon not recommending a sports bra and if you're unsure, the easiest thing to do is ask. :) I'm more than sure your plastic surgeon won't mind, it's part of what we do.
Wishing you the best in your journey.
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

Gordon Lewis, MD · Answer

I have my patient wear a bra for about 6 weeks after surgery.  Occasionally one will relay they are more comfortable without.  I don't really argue with them, and have not had any issues. 

	You have answered you own question.  You are more comfortable with a bra.  Wear one!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has different post-op instructions. I like my patients to wear a surgical bra for several weeks after surgery. Best to ask you surgeon.

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