Wearing Normal Bras After Breast Augmentation Surgery

After breast augmentation it is important for patients to wear a compressive bra both for comfort and healing. Compression bras reduce inflammation, provide support, and protect the incision areas allowing them to heal faster.

Most plastic surgeons also will suggest that you wear your surgical compression bra 24 hours a day for two to three weeks postoperatively as its important for maintaining optimal position and shape, while providing structural stability during recovery.

Key Takeaways of Wearing Normal Bras After Breast Augmentation Surgery

• After surgery, is important for patients to wear compression or surgical bras for up to six weeks as their bodies heal from the procedure.
• Getting plenty of rest can help promote proper healing and reduce any swelling associated with the procedure.
• The type of implant used in the surgery may also influence when it’s safe to start wearing a normal bra, ranging 4 weeks for saline implants and up to 6 weeks for silicone implants.

Types of Breast Augmentation

Saline Implants

A saline implant is a type of breast implant used for breast augmentation procedures. They can be inserted into the body with either an incision under the arm or around the nipple, then filled to the desired size with saline solution after placement.

Saline implants are Food and Drug Administration approved for patients who are 18 years and older. Saline is ideal if safety is a primary concern due to their composition being made up of a sterile saltwater solution safe for human use, making it easy to detect any rupture or leak which may occur over time.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are one of the two primary types used in breast augmentation, and they have several unique qualities compared to alternative implant options. This type of implant is filled with a special gel composition that closely mimics the feel and look of natural breast tissue. Not only does it provide a more realistic appearance, but these breast implants also stay securely in place due to their thicker form factor.

While it’s true that any type of surgery carries risk factors, if you choose silicone breast implants for your breast augmentation, this can be done fairly safely as long as you select an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure.

When to Wear a Normal Bra After Breast Augmentation

For most women, it is recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks before trying a normal bra after breast augmentation surgery. This is usually enough time for the area to heal properly and reduce any risks of complications.

During this time, compression bras should be worn to provide support while the body heals and also so the implants stay firmly in place as they drop several weeks post surgery and avoid breast sagging.

A rushed or premature return to normal activity can result in increased pain and swelling, as well as potential complications. These include infection, capsule contracture scarring around the implant, displacement or migration of the implants, nerve damage, and even structural damage to your breasts caused by too much movement too soon after surgery.

Factors That Can Impact the Recovery Timeline

Implant Type and Profile

Both saline and silicone breast implants are available, with different implications for when you can wear a normal bra after the procedure. Saline usually contains sterile saltwater and requires a shorter waiting period for wearing your pre surgery wardrobe than silicone counterparts. It’s recommended that women wait approximately four weeks if they opt for saline over silicone breast implants before wearing a normal bra again.

Silicone breast implants may take several months for swelling to subside and the breasts to stabilize, creating more of an upward pressure on the skin above, making them feel firmer for longer as they settle into their intended positions before doctors tend to clear patients for regular bras.

Patient’s Overall Health

A patient’s overall health plays a critical role in the recovery timeline after breast augmentation surgery. Factors such as age, genetics, breast size, bra size and wearing habits can contribute to how long it takes for healing following the procedure.

Incision Placement

During breast augmentation, the incision is made into an existing natural crease or fold on the body to minimize visible scarring and best secure the implant. The location of this incision will depend on the physician’s preference, as well as measurements from pre-op images.

The three most common incision placements used in breast augmentation are inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. Each offer different considerations when it comes to scarring and healing times.

How to Choose the Right Bra After Surgery

Consider Your Activity Level

Always wear the right kind bra size for all activities, as wearing an unsuitable one can put strain on healing tissue and cause discomfort.

Patients who take part in high impact sports like running or tennis should opt for bras that provide maximum support, while those only engaging in low impact exercise such as yoga may choose garments with less structure.

Those needing more coverage during their recovery period can benefit from compression bras which reduce movement but give minimal support so as not to irritate healing tissue. For women returning to larger chest sizes, structured underwire bras are available but should be avoided until complete recovery. Over time, these can place too much pressure on the transfer area and delay proper healing thus increasing risk of developing complications later on.

Understand the Different Bra Cup Types

Bra cup sizes make up one key component of finding new bras that best fit you after breast augmentation. While implant size is measured in cubic centimeters, new bras are sized by cup letters of A, B, C and D.

Each letter increase indicates more volume according to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Within a lettered cup series, there may also be ½ cups or double cups available for large breast implants and better fitting options. It’s important to understand that every brand will have different standards, so it can take some trial and error when it comes to selecting the right top bra size and style, even if you know your general size.

Consider Bra Material

When selecting a bra for breast augmentation recovery, it is important to take the material of the garment into consideration. Bra materials are more than just a personal preference and can influence post operative recovery in a big way.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wearing Normal Bras After Breast Augmentation Surgery

1. When Is It Safe to Wear a Normal Bra After Breast Implants?

Most plastic surgeons recommend continuing to wear post-operative surgical bras for 4-6 weeks after the procedure. These sports bra styles offer gentle compression and stabilization for the breasts as the body recovers from augmentation.

2. Is It Necessary to Purchase a Post Surgical Bra Following Surgery?

To give your breast lift support and stability while healing, it’s recommend that you invest in purchasing a good quality post operative or compression bra for the first few days or weeks following your breast lift surgery.

Conclusion and Summary of Wearing Normal Bras After Breast Augmentation Surgery

When deciding when to wear a normal bra after breast augmentation, each patient must consider their individual circumstances and a previous breast augmentation consultation with their plastic surgeon for specific guidelines and recommendations.

It is recommended to wait four weeks if saline implants were used or six weeks if silicone implants were used, before wearing any kind of normal bra so the healing process is given enough time.

Wearing these different kinds of bras offer numerous benefits after breast augmentation or lift, including improved shape results along with all day comfortability in terms of fit and feel. Always make sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions about when you should start wearing a bra again after breast surgery for optimal post surgery outcomes.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

Ready For Your First-Class Cosmetic Experience in Orange County (OC) California (CA)?

Are you located in one of these Orange County (OC) / Southern California cities?

Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, or Yorba Linda?

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brandon Richland, MD and our Cosmetic Aesthetics Team are ready to help you look and feel your absolute best.

Elevate your confidence and self esteem levels to unfathomable new heights!

Schedule your in-person consultation in our modern and luxurious offices in either Fountain Valley, CA (Main HQ) or our Newport Beach, CA office. 

Do you live outside of Southern California or short on time? For your convenience, Virtual Consultations are also available.

Our warm and engaging Team of carefully selected Aesthetics Professionals will make you feel calm, cool, collected, and right at home throughout your entire consultation and surgery process.

Schedule Your Aesthetics Consultation here, or call us directly at 949-867-4496 today.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.

To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.

Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 949-867-4496 directly.

Cover Image Credit: Deagreez / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Brandon Richland, MD.