A breast augmentation and breast lift won’t just change the size of the breasts. It also will alter the size and type of bra you wear. If you have breast augmentation or implants, you can bid farewell to your A or B cup breasts! So, you can’t expect to wear the same Bras After Breast Augmentation, either.
For many women, investing in new bras is welcome news. It’s a time to hit the stores and try new things; some patients decide to have their first professional bra fitting after their breast augmentation to ensure they’re wearing the right bra for their new look.
But before you shop, keep in mind that it will take at least a few weeks before you can wear a bra again. Also, it will take weeks or months before your breasts will reach their final size.
Below are some tips to consider about bras after a breast augmentation surgery or breast reconstruction and things to avoid.
THE FIRST DAYS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION Surgery
There is no exact rule that says you should or should not wear a more supportive sports bra right after your procedure. Some plastic surgeons recommend wearing a surgical or sports bra after breast enhancement.
However, other surgeons may advise not to wear a bra after breast surgery, and for up to a month afterward.
Some surgeons say not to wear a bra at first because the implants need time to ‘settle in.’ A bra, no matter the type, will alter the shape and position of the breasts somewhat. Pressure from your bra offers support and increases comfort, but it can change the final appearance of the breasts.
That said, many do recommend wearing a specific type of bra after the procedure, so please listen to your surgeon’s advice.
Why Your Sleeping Position Matters After Breast Surgery
Believe it or not, the way you sleep after breast surgery can have a big impact on your recovery. It is not just about comfort, but about healing, reducing pain, and avoiding complications. Here is why your sleeping position is so important:
1. Reduces swelling and speeds up healing
Lying flat can cause fluid buildup, making you feel swollen and uncomfortable. Sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated improves circulation and helps keep swelling under control.
2. Protects your incisions
Rolling onto your side or stomach too soon can put pressure on your incisions, disrupt healing, or even shift implants if you had augmentation. Sleeping on your back keeps everything in place and allows your body to heal properly.
3. Minimizes Pain and Discomfort
After surgery, even small movements can be painful. The right sleeping position, such as lying on your back with pillows for support, helps reduce strain on your chest so you can rest more comfortably.
4. Lowers the risk of complications
Sleeping in the wrong position can lead to implant shifting, delayed healing, or fluid buildup. Choosing the right posture helps prevent these issues and supports your recovery.
5. Improves sleep quality
Good sleep is essential for healing. A proper sleeping position helps you relax and feel comfortable, so your body can focus on recovery instead of tossing and turning.
TIPS FOR COMFORTABLE SLEEP DURING RECOVERY
Getting a good night’s sleep after breast surgery can be tricky, but the right approach can make a huge difference. Here are some simple tips to help you rest comfortably and heal faster:
- Sleep on your back with a slight incline. Use pillows to prop yourself up at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side, at least for the first few weeks, to prevent unnecessary pressure on your chest.
- Make your bed as relaxing as possible. Soft blankets, breathable sheets, and a quiet, dark room can help you drift off more easily.
- Use extra pillows to support your body and prevent rolling over in your sleep.
- If you are having trouble falling asleep, try deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music.
Your surgeon will give you specific recommendations based on your procedure, so be sure to follow their advice. If you have any concerns about sleeping comfortably, do not hesitate to ask for guidance.
FINDING THE PROPER BREAST AUGMENTATION BRA AFTER Surgery
Whenever your surgeon recommends it’s time to start wearing a bra again, you need to find the right one. You probably know what it’s like to wear a bra that doesn’t fit right: You cannot wait to get the thing off!
When you’re shopping for a bra after breast enhancement, you need to look well beyond the band and cup size of surgical bra; the style and cut of the bra make a big difference.
Regarding size, remember that breast augmentation final results take time to appear. So, the bra size that’s perfect after one month may not be right in three months. Remember that swelling after plastic surgery also can affect the cup size you wear.
That’s why you want to buy new bras slowly after breast enhancement surgery. Don’t stuff your wardrobe with new bras a month after your procedure; in three months, all those bras might not fit anymore. Instead, buy one or two bras at a time that fit you at that time.
THE BIG THING TO AVOID WHEN BUYING A BRA after Breast Surgery
If you wear a bra before the first six weeks of breast augmentation recovery are over, the biggest thing to remember about bras is never to wear one with an underwire! Underwires do offer support, but they can cause significant problems after a breast reduction or augmentation.
The underwires in surgical bras may irritate your incisions and lead to complications and additional scarring. Wait until your surgeon says it’s ok before you wear bras with underwires again.
More things to avoid with bras after breast enhancement cosmetic surgery:
- Don’t wear pushup bras. Pushup bras move your breast tissue, which means your breast implants are moved, too. These bras stress breast augmentation incisions and lead to other problems, so let the pushup bras wait until you’ve fully recovered.
- Don’t guess your size. Even if you’re certain what your new size is, it’s probably a bit different than you think. Have your breasts sized by a professional fitter before you buy anything. It will make your breasts look their best and ensure they have the support they need.
- Don’t go against what your surgeon recommends. He or she may advise you wear a compression bra after your surgery. If so, make sure you wear it or whatever they recommend.
CARING FOR BRAS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
After your new breasts have reached their final size and position and you have your best bra or new bras, take care of your bras so they last a long time.
First, don’t wear the same bra for two days in a row. Wearing the same bra repeatedly will make it stretch and lose its elasticity, which means less support.
Next, wear your new bras on the largest hook. As they lose their elasticity, you can use the smaller hooks underwire bras to provide more support. The bra is on its ‘last legs’ when you’re wearing it on the tightest hooks.
To keep your sports bras going as long as you can, wash them with cold water on the delicate cycle. Don’t put them in the dryer because heat will affect the elastic.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE READY TO SLEEP WITHOUT BRA?
After breast surgery, most doctors suggest wearing a supportive bra for at least a few weeks, even while sleeping. This helps maintain stability, reduce swelling, and support the healing process. But once your incisions have healed, and you’re not experiencing discomfort, you may be ready to sleep without it.
While your surgeon will give you the best guidance, here are some general signs to look for that may indicate you’re ready to try sleeping without one:
No more tenderness or swelling
If your breasts feel less tender and the swelling has gone down, it could be a sign that your body is healing well. Tenderness and swelling usually subside a few weeks after surgery, but always double-check with your surgeon before making any changes.
Your incisions are healing well
If your incisions are fully healed or nearly healed, and there’s no pain or redness, it might be okay to sleep without a bra. Make sure the healing area looks clean, without any signs of infection or irritation.
You don’t feel any discomfort
After wearing a supportive bra for some time, if you feel comfortable and don’t experience any pulling or discomfort on your chest or incision sites, it’s a good sign your body is ready for a break from the extra support.
Your Surgeon’s okay
Always check in with your surgeon before making the decision. They’ll know your specific recovery progress and can advise whether it’s safe to go without a bra while sleeping.
You feel like you can rest without worry
Ultimately, if you feel relaxed and restful without the bra, that’s a great sign. But if you feel like something’s off, or you’re still experiencing discomfort, it’s okay to keep wearing it a little longer.
Each recovery journey is different, so listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations to ensure you’re fully ready to make the change!
Questions and Answers
Can I sleep without a bra if I have implants?
After breast augmentation surgery, it’s recommended to wear a supportive bra while sleeping for at least six weeks. This helps reduce discomfort, ensures your implants settle properly, and prevents them from moving out of place. Once this period is over, your surgeon may allow you to sleep without a bra.
Does going braless help implants drop?
Going braless doesn’t directly help implants drop, but it allows them to settle naturally over time. Wearing a supportive bra in the early stages helps with comfort and implant positioning. Once your surgeon clears you, the implants will continue to drop and fluff on their own.
How many cc’s are in a full D cup?
The number of cc’s (cubic centimeters) in a full D cup can vary depending on body type and how a person’s breast tissue naturally sits. Generally, a D cup corresponds to around 400 to 500 cc’s of implant volume. However, this is just an estimate, and the final result depends on factors like your body size, chest width, and personal preferences.
When can I lay flat after breast augmentation?
Following surgery, you should sleep in an upright position for 2-6 weeks, as advised by your surgeon. After approximately six weeks, and with your surgeon’s approval, you can transition to sleeping on your side. By this time, your incisions will be healing, and your implants will be more settled.
When can I wear a push-up bra after implants?
Following around a week of recovery from breast implants, you have the choice to wear compression bras, a push-up bra, sports bra, or go bra-free.
What is the best bra to wear after breast implants?
Post-breast surgery, your bra is pivotal for healing, delivering support and comfort. Optimal choices include a medical-grade compression bra initially and a sports bra for the long term. Best post surgery bra is the one that fits the best and gives the most support.
What bra to wear 2 weeks after breast augmentation?
Around the two-week mark, you can switch from the surgical bras to a non-underwire, supportive option. The use of a medical compression bra is no longer needed.
Do you need a bra after breast fat transfer breast augmentation?
As per Dr. Raj’s recommendation, it’s advised to consistently wear the post-operative support bra day and night for at least six weeks after breast augmentation , as suggested by your surgeon.
BOOK YOUR DALLAS BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE TODAY
Interested in a Dallas breast augmentation? Schedule an appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan today. He will go over your goals, medical history and help you decide if a breast augmentation is a good fit for you.
REFERENCES
- 10 Post Surgery Bras And How To Choose. (2021). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/10-postsurgery-bras-how-to-choose