Do I have to wear my surgical bra or sports bra all the time?

Question

I am 11 days post op and I am in no pain and no longer feel uncomfortable. I can sleep any way I want. I took my surgical bra off today and I wore a tight cotton spaghetti strap tank. I just feel like going bra less would help them drop faster. I was an a cup and now I have 500cc saline mentor hp implants.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  I generally have patients change over to a soft cotton bra or sports bra after about one week.  I recommend patients continue to wear some kind of bra for 4 weeks to provide some support as the breast heals from surgery.  After 1 month, if the patient desires, can go braless and resume all pre-operative activities.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While you may feel like you’re ready, it’s best to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions about how long you should wear a bra. You can also ask your surgeon directly if that info wasn’t provided.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients, I recommend they wear the post surgical bra we provide for the first 48 hours, then the only bra restrictions is no underwire for 6 weeks post op. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi
Congratulations on your surgery. I usually advise my patients to use the compression bra for at least 3 weeks after surgery, after that you can change to a sports bra and 5 to 6 weeks after surgery you can use any bra you like or no bra at all. But you should ask your surgeon and follow his postoperative care instructions since he is the one who knows your case best.
Happy recovery 
Dr Marco Carmona MD

Landon Pryor, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure! That's a great question we recommend 4 weeks wearing a sports bra most patients  go a little longer based on how they are feeling. I would reach out to your surgeon to confirm how long exactly,Best of luck,Dr. Pryor

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  I typically recommend patients to wear their sports bra for a total of 4 weeks.  If you need to come out of it here or there it is fine to do so.  Each surgeon will have their own protocol on which they wish you to follow.  I would suggest just placing a call to your surgeon and asking their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

beemandyd  I appreciate your concern, but you really should check in with your plastic surgeon who performed your operation. I ask my patients to wear the surgical bra for one month after surgery so the implants can stay in their proper position while healing. The bra can be removed for short periods of time, but I prefer my patients to wear it. After that time I then recommend soft bras without under wires for 6 months.Going without the bra is not going to speed recovery or allow them to drop and fluff any sooner, but may allow the implants to slip lower than desirable. Discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear beemandyd,
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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Although most plastic surgeons recommend support for the breasts to increase longevity of breast augmentation, there are no well researched protocols for bra wear. Sports bras may be OK for the first 6 weeks or so.  I do not recommend underwire bras,  Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the best path ahead for your comfort during recovery. Going without a bra for a few hours at a time during recovery should not pose any problems.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions can vary.  I advise my patients to wear supportive bras such as sports bra for several weeks after surgery.  The implants generally take six to twelve weeks to drop and fluff.