Should You Wear a Bra After a Breast Augmentation Procedure?

Overview

Undergoing breast augmentation surgery will change both the size of your breasts and the size of your bra, which means you’ll get to indulge in some exciting post-procedure bra shopping. Not all surgeons agree on whether you should wear a bra or not immediately post surgery, with some even suggesting patients go braless for up to six weeks in order to let their breasts settle first. 

Your breasts could take up to three months to fully settle into their new position, which means that regardless of when you wear a bra again for the first time, you’ll want to invest slowly by buying just one or two at a time. 

At Toronto Plastic Surgeons Wellness Centre, you can typically expect to go home from surgery wearing an elastic breast band or soft, supportive bra specially designed to keep your breasts perfectly in place. Then, once you’re cleared by your doctor, you’re ready to shop for that perfect new bra.

Finding the Right Bra After Breast Augmentation Surgery

New styles and cuts are just the beginning. You may even decide to have a professional fitting! Before you rush out to buy an all-new bra collection, here are a few key things to consider.

Choosing the Right Material

Choosing soft, lightweight, breathable, stretchable, wireless, and seamless fabrics is a good idea on your post-op shopping trip. You might even want to consider wearing a front-closure bra so you don’t have to lift your arms as often while you’re still healing. While most bras come with adjustable straps for added comfort, some even offer adjustable band sizes to accommodate swelling. Many women find they’re most comfortable wearing quality sports bras for at least a few months. 

Bra Sizes & How to Measure Yours

If you’re not sure how to measure your bra size, most lingerie or bra stores have professionals on staff who can help you out. However, if you’d like to take a crack at calculating your size, the process is fairly simple. 

To get your band size, start by measuring around your torso, just beneath your breasts. If you get an odd number, add 5 inches; if you get an even number, add 4 inches. In other words, whether your torso measures 29 or 30 inches, your band size is 34. Your band size will probably be the same as it was before your breast augmentation. 

Then, to determine your cup size, measure the area around the fullest section of your breasts and subtract that number from your band size. If the difference between the two numbers is three inches, you wear a C cup. If it’s 4 inches, you wear a D cup, etc. 

Since bra sizes and shapes can vary a lot from one brand to another, expect to experiment a little post-surgery. Always try before you buy, or else make sure the company has an easy-to-navigate return policy!

Beware of Underwire

Particularly in the first six weeks of your recovery, it’s very important to avoid wearing an underwire bra. Although you may be accustomed to the type of support that underwire bras are known for, wearing one too soon after a breast augmentation can irritate incisions located in the crease beneath the breasts, in turn making any scarring more visible. Do not start wearing underwire bras again until your surgeon gives you the green light.

Take Your Doctor’s Advice

If you have any doubts at all about your post-surgery bra shopping process, never hesitate to ask for your doctor’s guidance. Your surgeon can provide many helpful tips on bra selection and sizing after your procedure. For the best possible outcome post-breast augmentation, be sure to follow all of your doctor’s advice as closely as possible!

Posted by:

Dr. Stephen Mulholland, Md

Dr. Stephen Mulholland has been practicing plastic surgery for over 20 years. He is one of Canada’s most renowned and best plastic surgeons in Toronto with his wealth of experience, artistry, and humbleness towards his patients.

View Dr. Mulholland’s Profile View Dr. Mulholland’s Wikipedia