Wearing bras after a BA?

Question

I am just wondering why some surgeons want their patients to do different things when it comes to bras after breast augmentation. I know a lot of surgeons recommend that a patient wears a surgical bra or some type of sports bra following a breast augmentation and others say that no bra should be worn for a couple of weeks. What method provides the better outcome?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and profile implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I typically recommend my patients to wear a sports bra for 4 weeks after surgery.  The compression will help bring down the initial swelling down and support.  I would suggest speaking with your surgeon directly and follow their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question.
Every surgeon has a different protocol for his/her patients. I have my patients wear a bra, Check with your surgeon for his/her protocol regarding wearing a bra. best of luck!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. I suggest my patients to wear a special bra 24/7 for 1 month to protect the shape and prevent malformity. Then, you should be still careful with your bra choice up to 3 months and I suggest sports bras most of the time during this time.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

When surgery is done in an evidenced based best way, the bra is crucial to support the implants as you heal in the first three months. This will help minimize or prevent the risk of too much downward migration of the implant.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every patient is different as is every surgeon. I manage my patients all individually based on the surgery, the implants, the anatomy and skin and muscle quality. Some of my patients start wearing a regular, underwire bra, right after surgery, in some it is one month later and others 2 months or even 4 months. It just really depends.

I would say just follow what your particular surgeon recommends.

Hope that helps.

I would say just follow what your particular surgeon recommends.

Hope that helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  For most patients the choice of postoperative garment, or lack thereof, will not materially impact their result. I prefer a loose fitting bra for mild support of the tissues during the initial healing phase.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear thab,
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

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I completely understand your confusion with regard to this particular aspect of breast augmentation recovery. 
Personally I have waffled from asking my patients to wear no bra right after surgery, just a T-shirt or a camisole, but now I favor a surgical bra for 2 to 4 weeks after the operation. It seems that patients are more comfortable with a surgical bra or soft sports bra because of the modest support that they offer. I still strictly ask my patients to refrain from wearing bras with wire for 6 months to prevent displacement of the implants upward direction.
 Bottom line each surgeon has their own postoperative routine, and slight differences should not affect long-term success of this operation. Best of luck.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The main goal is to avoid irritation of the healing scar under the breast. This is the reason underwire bras are to be avoided until the scar is nearing maturity. (3 weeks at minimum). The other guidelines are generallly based on the surgeon’s previous experience, not well studied clinical trials. You are likely to do well, as long as you protect the healing incision.