After investing in enhanced breasts, many women are eager to shop for bras to fit their new shape and aid in recovery. Before making a purchase, there are a few things to consider about wearing bras after breast augmentation surgery.
What You Need to Know About Wearing Bras with Implants
After breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon should give you specific instructions on caring for your breasts as they heal, including when to begin wearing a bra and what type. Some doctors recommend patients go bra-less for a few days after surgery to allow the breasts to heal properly and comfortably. Others recommend specific post-surgical bras to reduce swelling and prevent the implants from shifting during the recovery period.
While recommendations on immediate post-surgical bra selection vary, most agree that women shouldn’t wear a traditional underwire bra until six weeks after the augmentation surgery. Wearing a normal bra too soon can cause problems with the healing process and cause the implants to settle incorrectly.
When it’s time to shop for your augmented breasts, it’s a good idea to visit a store in-person and get re-sized. While you probably asked your surgeon for a particular size, the size of the implant and the size of your bra cup can be different. A professional fitting, free at many lingerie stores and departments, will allow you to shop for the best size for your new breasts.
Even after your fitting, try on a variety of sizes and styles to see what works best. Implants can be wider or fuller than natural breasts, so you may need to size them up to find the most comfortable, flattering fit.
Key Features to Look for in a Recovery Bra
When shopping for a recovery bra, consider the following features:
- Soft, non-irritating fabric to prevent friction against sensitive incisions.
- Front-closure or adjustable straps to easily accommodate post-operative swelling.
- Adequate support without underwire to minimize pressure on the healing breasts.
- Breathable material to reduce the risk of infection and encourage air circulation.
- Adjustable hooks and clasps to accommodate changes in breast size during recovery.
Bras for Immediate Post-Op Recovery
Supportive Front-Closure Bras
Front-closure bras are ideal for the immediate post-operative phase. Their easy-on, easy-off design minimizes arm movement, reducing strain on incisions. Look for bras with wide, padded straps and a supportive band for optimal comfort.
Compression Bras with Adjustable Straps
Compression bras provide gentle pressure, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Opt for bras with adjustable straps, as they allow you to customize the fit as your swelling subsides. Seamless, moisture-wicking fabric further enhances comfort.
Bras for Mid-Stage Recovery
Wireless Bras with Molded Cups
As you transition to mid-stage recovery, wireless bras with molded cups offer light support and shaping. Molded cups prevent friction against incisions and provide a smooth silhouette under clothing.
Sports Bras with Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Engaging in light physical activity during mid-stage recovery can be beneficial. Sports bras with moisture-wicking fabric provide support and help manage sweat, keeping you comfortable as you gradually resume your routine.
Bras for Late-Stage Recovery
Lace Overlay Bras for Gentle Support
During the late-stage recovery, lace overlay bras offer gentle support and a feminine touch. Look for bras with soft, stretchy lace that accommodates changes in breast size. The absence of underwire ensures continued comfort.
Bralettes with Removable Padding
Bralettes are perfect for the final stages of recovery when comfort is paramount. Choose bralettes with removable padding, allowing you to customize the level of support. Their soft, breathable fabric minimizes irritation.
Specific Types of Breast Augmentation Recovery Bras
Lipoelastic Bras
Immediately post-surgery, your surgeon may recommend a post-surgical compression bra during the healing process. Lipoelastic bras provide compression to keep the breasts supported after surgery while the breast tissue grows around the implants.
Lipoelastic’s post-operative bras feature specially manufactured fabric that prevents bacterial growth after surgery by wicking sweat, and helps reduce the risk of infection. Compression bras from Lipoelastic can speed the healing process, reduce scarring and bruising, and prevent implants from drooping or shifting unevenly.
Brilliant Contours Bras
Brilliant Contours is a female-owned company on a mission to provide physical and emotional support after breast surgery. Brilliant Contours bras are sports recovery bras that provide soft support in patterns and colors designed to help women feel beautiful during their recovery time. According to the company, the bras can be worn immediately after surgery, and with their comfortable fit and fun fabrics, they can also be used as long-term sports bras.
MaCom Signature Bra
The MaCom Signature bra is a best seller in the post-surgical bra market. The bra is seamless and wireless to avoid irritation to tender, fragile, post-surgery breast tissue. The bra features an adjustable front closure, and the cups are fully expandable to mold to the new post-surgery cup size. The fully expandable cups provide customized stability and compression for the implants as they heal.
The Breast Whisperer Bra
The Breast Whisperer Bra is an anti-gravity bra for women with implants for comfortable nighttime wear. Created by a plastic surgeon and a fashion designer, the Breast Whisperer is seamless and wireless with breathable fabric. Its unique, lightweight design helps lift and maintain shape for women with implants.
Plunge-type bras
If you’re not looking for a bra designed for post-surgical breasts and your surgeon has said you can now wear a bra, you may want to try a plunge bra. Many women need to find a new favorite style of bra once they have implants. Plunge style bras are flattering for breasts that are fuller and firmer, which is ideal for women with implants. They also have shorter underwires than full-coverage styles, which can help provide a better fit after breast augmentation.
The Right Bra is Important for Healing
We hope this list helps you decide the best option for your breasts. Remember, the most important thing you can do to keep your post-surgical breasts safe and comfortable is to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Your surgeon may not want you to wear any bra at all for the first few days of recovery, or may specify a particular bra that should be worn when your breasts are ready.
If you choose to receive a breast augmentation from Dr. Adams, your breasts will be ready to be placed back in the comfort of a bra in no time. As an international authority on breast augmentation, Dr. Adams has implemented several techniques that allow over 99% of his patients to return to normal activities within 24 hours after breast augmentation surgery. Learn more about 24-hour recovery here!