How to Choose the Best Bra after Breast Augmentation

Features to Look for in a Post Breast Augmentation Bra

The process of getting a breast augmentation entails a preparation period, the surgery and after care. Just as you’ve invested thought and care into the decision to undergo breast augmentation, equal consideration must be given to the aftercare. One significant aspect of this post-surgical journey is selecting the best bra after Breast Augmentation. Wearing the appropriate bra post-augmentation is not only essential for ensuring optimal healing but also for providing comfort and support as your body adapts to its new form.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Bish Soliman performs breast augmentation procedures, as well as breast reduction and breast reconstruction.

Download Dr Bish Soliman Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide

Ultimate Guide To Cosmetic Breast Surgery

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The Importance of the Right Bra Post-Surgery

Your comfort post-surgery is non-negotiable. By investing in the right bra, you’re not only ensuring optimal healing but also making your recovery journey as comfortable and hassle-free as it can be.

Supporting the Healing Process

Breast augmentation surgery brings about changes to your body that require patience, care, and the right support to heal optimally. The bra you choose post-surgery plays a significant role in this healing journey. Here’s why the right bra is so important during this time:

• Proper Positioning: After surgery, your breasts need to settle into their new position. A post-surgical bra helps maintain their proper placement, ensuring they heal as intended
• Reduction of Strain: A bra that offers the right level of support ensures that there’s no undue strain on your surgical incisions. This promotes smoother scar healing and reduced risk of incision separation (dehiscence)
• Controlled Compression: A good post-surgical bra provides gentle compression, which can assist in reducing post-operative swelling and aid in fluid absorption and drainage
• Protection: Your post-operative breasts are more susceptible to inadvertent bumps or brushes. A protective bra acts as a shield, reducing the risk of accidental trauma

In essence, the right bra is your ally during the recovery phase. It supports your body in all the right ways, ensuring you heal smoothly and as comfortably as possible.

Maximising Comfort

As you adjust to the changes post-surgery, your comfort becomes paramount. Here’s how the right bra can elevate your comfort levels during this transition:

• Material Matters: Soft, breathable materials like cotton can keep your sensitive skin irritation-free. A bra that allows for air circulation can help prevent excessive sweating and reduce the risk of skin rashes or infections
• Seamless Design: Bras without seams or with minimal stitching can prevent potential chafing or irritation on tender areas
• Adjustability: As your body goes through changes post-surgery, swelling might increase or decrease. Having a bra with adjustable features means you can tailor the fit to your comfort throughout your recovery. The bra adapts to your changing needs, ensuring a snug but not overly tight fit
• Wire-Free Support: Underwires can be uncomfortable and may put pressure on surgical sites. Opting for wire-free bras ensures even distribution of support and no risk of underwire-induced discomfort
• Full Coverage: A bra that provides full coverage offers added support and protection, ensuring that the entire breast area is comfortably contained and shielded from external factors

Different Types of Bras to Wear After Breast Surgery

1.     Surgical Bras

Post-breast surgery, the initial phase of recovery demands the utmost care. Surgical bras are specifically designed to address the needs of this delicate period.

Features and Benefits

• Front Closures: Surgical bras often come with front closures, making them easier to put on and take off without straining your surgical sites
• Compression Support: These bras offer just the right amount of compression. This can help reduce post-operative swelling and encourage fluid drainage, minimising the risk of complications
• Wide Straps: Broad straps ensure the weight is evenly distributed, offering support without digging into your shoulders
• Wire-Free Design: Avoiding underwires during this phase ensures that there’s no added pressure on incision sites

You’ll typically wear surgical bras in the first six weeks post-surgery, as recommended by Dr Bish Soliman. They’re essential during the period when the utmost care is needed.

2.     Transition Bras

As the name suggests, transition bras bridge the gap between the immediate post-operative period and the time when you can comfortably wear regular bras again.

Features and Benefits

• Soft Material: Transition bras are made with gentle materials like soft cotton to prevent any irritation on still-sensitive skin
• Adjustability: As your swelling starts to reduce, an adjustable bra ensures that you maintain a good fit
• Breathability: These bras promote air circulation, allowing your skin to breathe and ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the day
• Minimal Seams: This feature further reduces potential irritation points

You might wear transition bras for several weeks to a few months post-surgery. They provide support and comfort as you gradually move towards wearing everyday bras.

3.     Regular Long-term Bras

Once you’re fully healed, and with Dr Bish green light, you can start wearing regular bras. But even then, certain features can offer added comfort and support.

Features and Benefits

• Supportive Bands: A wide band offers good support without putting undue pressure on the breasts
• Soft Cups: Even when you’re back to regular bras, soft cups can provide a more comfortable fit, contouring naturally to your new shape
• Wide, Padded Straps: These distribute weight effectively, reducing shoulder strain
• Wire Options: While some may find they can return to underwired bras without issues, others might prefer wire-free for added comfort

Regular bras become your go-to once you’ve completely healed. Still, it’s a good idea to keep in mind these features to ensure prolonged comfort, especially in the first year post-surgery.

Features to Consider When Buying a Bra Post-Augmentation

Material and Fabric

When recovering from breast augmentation, the sensitivity of the skin around your chest area is heightened. The material and fabric of your post-surgery bra can play a pivotal role in ensuring your comfort.

Cotton: A favoured choice for many due to its:

• Breathability: Keeps the area cool and helps prevent excessive sweating
• Softness: Gentle on sensitive skin, reducing chances of irritation

Microfibre: This is another excellent option because it:

• Wicks away moisture: Ensuring you stay dry and comfortable
• Offers a smooth texture: Minimising any friction against the skin

Avoid Synthetic Materials: Especially in the early stages of recovery. Materials like nylon might not offer the breathability your healing skin needs.

Seam Placement: Regardless of the fabric, look for bras where seams are not in direct contact with incision sites to prevent unnecessary irritation.

Closure Type

The type of closure on a post-augmentation bra isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about convenience and comfort during your recovery.

Front Closures: Highly recommended post-surgery because they:

• Allow for easy access: Making it simpler for you to put on or remove the bra without straining
• Reduce back pressure: By ensuring the fastening mechanism doesn’t press against your back when resting

Hooks and Eyes: Common in many post-surgery bras, they offer:

• Adjustability: As swelling decreases, you can tighten the fit
• Durability: Ensuring the bra remains securely fastened

Zippers: Some modern surgical bras come with zipper closures. They’re:

• Convenient: Quick to fasten and unfasten
• Smooth: Minimising any pressure points against the skin

Straps and Band Design

The design of the straps and band is essential for ensuring even weight distribution and optimal support.

Wide Straps: Especially beneficial as they:

• Distribute weight: Reducing the risk of straps digging into your shoulders
• Offer increased support: Vital during the healing process

Adjustable Straps: Provide the flexibility to:

• Tailor the fit: As your body changes and heals, you can adjust for comfort
• Ensure proper breast positioning: Keeping them at the desired height

Broad Band: A wide band under the bust offers:

• Enhanced support: It helps hold the breasts securely
• Pressure distribution: Spreads any tension more evenly across your chest

No Underwires: Especially in the early stages, wire-free designs:

• Reduce pressure points: Ensuring no undue stress on healing areas
• Allow for flexibility: Accommodating any changes in size due to swelling

FAQs about how to Choose the Best Bra after Breast Augmentation

How soon after surgery can I wear a regular bra?

• It’s generally advised to wait several weeks before transitioning from a surgical bra to a regular one. However, always consult Dr Bish Soliman for personalised advice based on your healing progress.

Can I wear underwire bras post-augmentation?

• Underwire bras might put pressure on the incisions and can be uncomfortable in the early stages of recovery. It’s usually recommended to wait until you’re fully healed, but Dr Bish Soliman will provide guidance tailored to your situation.

How will I know the right size to buy after my surgery?

• Sizing might change post-augmentation. It’s a good idea to get professionally measured after you’ve healed and any swelling has subsided to ensure a proper fit.

How many post-surgery bras should I purchase?

• Having at least two is practical, allowing you to wear one while washing the other. You might choose to buy more as you transition through the healing stages.

What if my bra feels too tight after surgery?

• A snug fit can offer support, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes pain or pressure on your incisions. If it feels too restrictive, consider going up a size or consulting with Dr Bish Soliman.

Is it okay to sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?

• Dr Bish advises wearing a supportive bra even during sleep in the initial weeks post-surgery to maintain shape and support. Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

Can I wear sports bras after breast augmentation?

• Once you’re cleared for physical activity, a supportive sports bra without underwires can be an excellent choice. However, ensure it’s not overly compressive and consult Dr Bish Soliman before making the switch.

Will I need special bras if I choose saline vs. silicone implants?

• The type of implant generally doesn’t dictate the kind of bra you should wear. Focus on fit, comfort, and support rather than the implant type.

How often should I replace bras post-augmentation?

• Just like regular bras, if you notice a loss of elasticity, support, or comfort, it’s time to replace them. Keeping your bras in good condition can ensure consistent support for your new shape.

What should I do if I experience irritation from my post-surgery bra?

• If you experience any irritation or discomfort, stop wearing the bra and consult Dr Bish Soliman. He might recommend a different type or material to suit your needs better.

Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr Bish Soliman

• Read Dr Soliman’s Breast Augmentation Surgery Page
• Read Dr Soliman’s Breast Implant Removal Surgery Page
• Read Dr Soliman’s Breast Reduction Surgery Page
• Read Dr Soliman’s Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery Page
• Read Dr Soliman’s Blog about How Effective Are Silicone Strips for Plastic Surgery Scars
• Read Dr Soliman’s Blog about Should I Wear a Sports Bra after Breast Augmentation?
• Read Dr Soliman’s Blog about What is the best Breas Implant Placement
• Read Dr Soliman’s Blog about Perfect Breasts – The Pursuit of Aesthetic Excellence
• Read Dr Soliman’s Blog about What is Dropping and Fluffing after Breast Augmentation

Medical References about Breast Augmentation

• What are the steps of a breast augmentation procedure? – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Breast augmentation – Mayo Clinic