Why Can't I Wear Under-wired Bras After Breast Augmentation?

We generally avoid using underwire bras for six to eight
weeks following breast augmentation for two reasons. With patients who have
undergone submuscluar placement of implants the pectoralis major muscle may
undergo spasm in the early postoperative period. This may force the implant in
an upward direction and lead to malposition. When this situation arises, we
utilize compression to force the implant in a downward direction. An underwire
bra would have the opposite effect.

Another reason for avoiding an underwire bra in the
immediate postoperative period is the potential for it to irritate a fresh
surgical incision. An inframammary incision would be directly under the
underwire and this might irritate the incision.

After six to eight weeks, wound healing and muscle spasm
should no longer be an issue. In most breast augmentation patients it’s
reasonable to resume the use of an underwire bra at this
time.

Thank you for your question. My patients will have a surgical bra that I place at the time of surgery. They normally wear this for the first week or two and then transition to a sports bra that opens in the front. By six weeks, if their implants have sufficiently descended, I let my patients know they can start wearing a normal bra (including a push-up bra). They may still undergo some changes which can change their bra preferences a few months later.

It is typical that surgeons advise patients to not wear underwire bras for the first few weeks of surgery. Of course, it really depends on the surgeon, though, so you should probably ask yours for their advice. I normally recommend patients don't wear an underwire bra for the first couple months because they can delay your healing, especially if you have incisions in the inframammary crease. You don't want any friction on your incisions which could be caused by an underwire bra.

Underwire bras should be avoided for the first two months following surgery, but ask your surgeon to find out what their advice is because it may be different. Related complications include irritation caused by the wire rubbing against the skin (something that you may not notice due to possible numbness). Patients who have an infra-mammary incision, like you, should be especially careful as an underwire bra is capable of displacing the implants if it is worn too often or too soon.  

The choice of bra style may depend upon the procedure performed and the goals to be accomplished by the procedure. In an A cup individual with large implants, garments that minimize the upward displacement of the implants, such as an underwire, are to be avoided. However, in other individuals who undergo correction of a bottoming out breast, the use of an underwire may be preferred. Therefore, it is best to discuss this with your surgeon

The reasons why I do not prefer an underwire bra in most cases is that it will push the implants higher in the pocket during the healing process.  This may produce a pocket that allows the implant permanently sit in a higher position.  There is the rare occasion where initially after surgery the implants sit lower than I like, then I will recommend that an underwire bra be used to help the implants sit a bit higher permanently.

Dr.ES

I would definitely not use any type of push up bra at this point after surgery. Typically implants are high riding, and it takes a few months for them to drop, settle, and look natural after surgery. You wouldn't want to impede this normal process and end up with implants that look too high, or have a flat contour at the bottom. I do like underwire bras, however, that are not push up, and that are full coverage. I find they tend to stabilize the inferior and lateral perimeters of the breast pocket as the implants are dropping and experiencing gravitational effect. Make sure you protect your incision and I would ask your physician what they recommend.

It's not that you physically can't wear an underwire bra this close to surgery, but each surgeon has their own set of ideas or even protocols in order to help you achieved your best possible results.  While I typically don't utilize any bras immediately after surgery I know that some people place patients immediately in underwire bras and some wait 2-6 weeks before utilization of underwire bras.  I think it is best to get out 3-6 weeks before wearing the underwire bra unless there is some other indication.  In short, work with your plastic surgeon and his/her plans in order to give yourself the greatest opportunity for your best possible results. wirthplasticsurgery.com

I don't recommend that you wear any underwire bra, even if you don't feel pain. Your incisions can get irritated and the scars can worsen in appearance by wearing these bras. It's best to stick to sports bras that your surgeon recommends.

You should follow the advice of your plastic surgeon. All plastic surgeons will have a different routine for post operative care. Your plastic surgeon understands your surgery and your anatomy and is in the best position for making this decision.  Some plastic surgeons like underwire bras others want you to avoid their use.