Why do I need specific Surgical bras post-surgery for at least 8 weeks?
Reduces Swelling:
A surgical bra is recommended to reduce post-operative swelling and fluid accumulation. By applying gentle and uniform pressure to the operated breast, they encourage the lymphatic system to efficiently drain excess fluid, preventing uncomfortable swelling and speeding up the healing process.
Minimizes Bruising:
Breast surgery can disrupt small blood vessels beneath the skin and within the breast gland, often leading to bruising in the surrounding area. By applying gentle, consistent pressure, compression garments help reduce the accumulation of blood and limit bruising, thereby contributing to a more efficient recovery process.
Improved Comfort:
Compression garments are specifically designed to be gentle on incision sites while providing steady, supportive pressure, which helps ease pain and discomfort during the early stages of breast surgery recovery. By limiting excessive movement of the operated breast, these garments reduce irritation around the healing tissues and ultimately promote a more comfortable recovery.
Implant Stabilization:
Compression garments play a key role in breast implant stability by providing support to the breast and keeps the breast implants securely in place throughout the healing process. This support holds the implants steady until the body naturally forms a protective fibrous capsule, ultimately leading to a more secure and successful outcome.
Prevents Breast Sagging:
Compression garments help the skin conform to its revised shape while reducing tension and swelling that could otherwise lead to recurrent breast ptosis. In the early phase of wound healing, dissolvable sutures hold the breast tissue in its new shape and are gradually replaced by the body’s own tissue, so having adequate support during this time is crucial to maintaining a stable and successful breast shape.
Enhanced Healing:
By promoting improved circulation and reducing inflammation, compression garments support a faster recovery period after breast surgery. This gentle pressure also helps guide the surrounding tissues into their optimal position around the implants, contributing to smoother healing and more reliable surgical results.
What to wear after 8 weeks (transition period)
GET FITTED CORRECTLY – it is very important at this stage to get correctly fitted to ensure your new shape (implants) have the correct size. An ill-fitting bra can cause pain.
Soft, wireless bras: These are ideal for the transition period as your breasts start to heal.
Moulded Cups – if possible, purchase this type to hold your implants
Function: Provide continued support as your swelling goes down and breasts settle into their final shape.
Features: Made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, they are gentle on sensitive skin.
Recommendation: Look for front-closure bras for ease of dressing and undressing as your mobility improves.
Sports bra: It provides compression and support. Try looking for moulded cups.
Function: Offers gentle compression to help with swelling and holding the implants in place.
Features: Wider straps can provide better shoulder comfort, especially for larger breasts.
Important considerations
Avoid underwire and push-up bras for 12 months:
These can interfere with the healing and settling process of your implants. Wire can leave ‘dents’ on your breasts when swelling is still evident
Listen to your surgeon:
Always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations, as they may have unique guidelines based on your surgery and recovery.
Do not buy many bras at once:
Your breast size and shape will continue to change for several months, so wait until they have stabilized before stocking up on bras.
Do get a professional fitting:
As your size and shape change, a professional bra fitter can help ensure you have a good fit once you are ready for a more traditional bra. Over the next 12 months, as your healing improves, you may find the size changes. So when you transition from surgical bras – get fitted then, and then again after 6-8 months to be closer to your final shape/size.
The benefits of wearing a correctly fitted bra:
· It is widely known that bras support your breasts and prevent them from descending. Bras lift them upward so that gravity does not affect them as much.
· It is important to note that breasts are naturally held up by the internal suprasensory ligaments and the skin envelope found on the outside, which contains the breasts and bras are there to help keep them in place.
A good bra will:
· Improve your posture and prevent spine and back problems.
· Prevent descending of the breasts- helping your posture by supporting your breasts.
· Adjust “flaws” that we find on our breasts, squeezing them into a shape that we want.
The disadvantages of wearing an ill-fitted bra post-surgery:
These can vary – especially if the bra is badly fitted or too tight on their body. So, if you’re currently wearing a bra that is making you feel uncomfortable, you may feel some of these symptoms:
Headache: Putting unnecessary strain on your neck and upper back may cause an unwanted headache. And if you continue to use that bra, it may overwork your neck muscles and give you more intense headaches.
Pain: If you are feeling pain on your breasts, it could be that the bra is too small for your actual implants – it is important to get correctly fitted so your actual implants sit correctly in the cup of the bra
Breathlessness: As your bra is too tight for you, it will restrict the movement of your ribs and give you shortness of breath.
Skin damage: Tight bras can hamper your blood circulation and eventually damage your skin.
Back pain: When you wear a tight bra, it puts a lot of strain on your back and leads to a stiff back.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I need to wear a compression garment after breast augmentation surgery?
Our surgeons recommend wearing the surgical bra day and night for the first eight weeks following breast implant surgery, removing it only to shower. After this initial period, patients may switch to a firm sports bra during the day while continuing to wear the surgical bra at night until three months post-surgery. At that time, they can transition to normal underwire-free bras as comfort permits. However, our surgeons’ advise sleeping in a supportive bra for up to one year to ensure optimal support, reduce swelling, and maintain proper implant positioning for the best possible surgical outcome.
What if I don’t wear the recommended compression garment?
Not wearing the recommended compression garment, or wearing it inconsistently, can significantly prolong swelling, delay the healing process, and increase discomfort. It may also compromise the final shape of the breast and lead to breast implant malposition. Adhering to your surgeon’s instructions helps ensure optimal healing, comfort, and outcomes.
What if My Compression Bra Feels Too Tight?
Compression garments should be snug but not painful. If they’re too tight, they can restrict blood flow, slow healing, and potentially cause skin discoloration or irritation. We will give you details of how to measure pre-surgery, so we can order the correct size for you to take with you on your trip.
Can I remove the surgical bra to shower or wash it?
Yes. It is safe to remove your compression garment for personal hygiene and garment care. During this time, you can gently clean the surgical area with antiseptic soap (only after your surgeon has advised you it is ok to shower).. Be sure to pat your skin dry before reapplying the garment to avoid trapping moisture. It’s also wise to purchase at least two surgical bras so you can wear one while the other is being washed and dried. Keeping your bra clean, dry, and well-fitted reduces the risk of infection and ensures it maintains optimal support.
Should I sleep in my compression bra?
Yes. Our surgeons recommend wearing the bra around the clock during the early stages of recovery, including when you sleep. Continuous support minimizes swelling, helps stabilize the breast wounds, and prevents unwanted movement that could impact healing.
How to Choose a Sports Bra After Breast Implant Surgery?
After breast surgery, selecting the right sports bra is essential for comfort and healing. Look for a properly fitted bra with adjustable straps to accommodate post-surgery changes. Choose soft, moisture-wicking materials that reduce irritation and opt for full coverage with gentle compression to stabilize the implants without feeling restrictive. Avoid underwires until your surgeon gives approval; wire-free styles protect delicate incision sites. Wide bands and straps distribute support evenly, minimizing pressure on healing tissue. Prioritise designs with seamless or flat-seamed construction to further reduce friction. Keeping your implants in place, with very good support, no sagging, is very important during the first 12 months.
