A breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts to improve their look as well as the feeling that the woman has about them. Many instructions will be given post-surgery. However, wearing a bra is a frequently asked question from many patients. Understanding what type of bra to wear and how often to wear it is important for correct implant placement and adequate healing.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation Procedures
Most cosmetic surgeons will tell their patients to wear some type of bra as soon as they are discharged although some make a different recommendation. Oftentimes, patients are sent home with a surgical bra, which will provide support and compression to help hold the implants where they need to stay and to minimize swelling throughout the breasts. Compression bras can also aid in returning circulation to the affected areas and to help excess fluids drain away from the breasts. Most surgeons will have patients wear this type of bra or a similar bra for the first four to six weeks after surgery.
After several weeks, many patients will be instructed that they may wear a soft cup bra during the day although underwire bras will not be permitted. The underwire could rub on or poke the incisions, causing pain and possibly leading to infections. Patients should wait to wear underwire bras until at least three to six months after surgery. Additionally, a push-up bra is not recommended so close to surgery because it can impact where the implants sit beneath the skin. However, a supportive soft-cup bra during the day and a sports bra each night will provide comfort and support to the new implants and the surrounding tissues.
Patients should keep in mind that each plastic surgeon may have a different set of instructions from these ones. These instructions could vary based on the individual patient, on the size or style of implants used or on how the surgery went. Patients at OC Cosmetic Surgery Clinique should always follow Dr. Tavoussi’s instructions to ensure comfortable and complete healing with no future problems.