Compression Bra After Breast Augmentation
A compression bra is a bra that provides compression to your chest, because it helps with swelling. Surgeons can prescribe a compressing bra that you can wear during recovery to prevent bleeding. Wearing this garment after breast surgery will help reduce swelling and bruising on your breasts.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Compression Bra After Breast Augmentation, how to wear compression band after breast augmentation, why do you have to wear a compression bra after breast reduction, and best post surgical bra for breast augmentation.
Compression Bra After Breast Augmentation
Congratulations on your decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery. The procedure is a safe and effective way to increase the size of your breasts by adding extra fat, muscle, or silicone implants. The recovery period can be challenging for some people, but our surgeons have years of experience helping patients get through it with minimal discomfort and scarring.
Post-breast augmentation surgery, you may need to wear a compression bra. At the consultation, ask your surgeon what you will need to wear after surgery.
After breast augmentation surgery, you may need to wear a compression bra. At the consultation, ask your surgeon what you will need to wear after surgery.
In order to help control swelling and promote healing following surgery, most surgeons recommend that patients wear a tight-fitting bandage or sports bra for several weeks following the procedure. If this is recommended by your surgeon and fits comfortably—and if it is the right size—you should continue wearing it until your doctor tells you otherwise. However, do not begin wearing any type of bra until at least 24 hours after surgery!
To find out what size you are before buying a new one for post-operative care:
- Check with your surgeon about whether he/she has specific recommendations regarding which brand or style of bra would be best for you. Consider using this information when shopping online (see above). Note: Generally speaking, most stores offer free shipping within 3-5 days from purchase date; however there may be exceptions depending on where they ship from (office vs warehouse). Also note that some retailers offer discounts on bulk orders so if possible consider ordering two or more bras together in order to save money on shipping fees per item ordered..
To receive the most benefits, wear a good quality bra that fits properly and feels comfortable. If it is an underwire bra, make sure the wire fits far enough away from your incision area.
To receive the most benefits, wear a good quality bra that fits properly and feels comfortable. If it is an underwire bra, make sure the wire fits far enough away from your incision area. In addition to consulting with your surgeon before surgery, you should also consult with him or her about what type of compression bra you will need following the procedure (see below).
After breast augmentation, women are advised to wear their bras for 24 hours following surgery. The majority of surgeons recommend wearing a well-fitting support bra that gives proper support after surgery until they can be removed by a medical professional at follow-up visits. The purpose of these garments is not only to provide comfort while sleeping but also help protect against swelling and bruising by helping reduce movement in order to limit irritation on surrounding tissues.
It’s important to note however that different surgical techniques may require different postoperative practices so make sure you ask your doctor what kind of recovery plan he or she recommends for you!
Wear or carry an extra bra on the day of surgery and in the recovery time period. You may need a smaller size for some time after your surgery.
Wear or carry an extra bra on the day of surgery and in the recovery time period. You may need a smaller size for some time after your surgery. Be sure to consult with one of our doctors before surgery for more information about compression bras, breast prostheses, and sizing.
If you have questions about which type of bra to wear during your recovery period, be sure to consult with one of our doctors before surgery.
If you have questions about which type of bra to wear during your recovery period, be sure to consult with one of our doctors before surgery. Our surgeons can help you determine which type of compression bra will provide the most comfort and support throughout your recovery process. You should also consider asking about how long it takes for swelling in the breasts to go down after surgery, as this information may influence which type of bra you choose.
how to wear compression band after breast augmentation
Some plastic surgeons use a ‘band’ or ‘strap’ on the upper aspect of the breasts of patients following the surgery to reduce the fullness of the upper pole of the breasts, or to keep the breast implants from migrating upwards.
These bands and straps became popular among cosmetic surgeons when shaped breast implants were first introduced. This is because upper breast (upper pole) fullness is more common with shaped breast implants because most of these implants are taller than they are wide. This abnormal, excessive upper pole fullness was particularly noticeable immediately after the implants were first put it.
More Discomfort
Most patients find that these ‘bands’ or ‘straps’ cause a significantly higher amount of pain and are uncomfortable to wear without providing much, if any, benefits. Dr. McMahan finds these contraptions to be useful only in the rare instance when a breast implant is slow to settle into position. However, in order for a ‘band’ or a ‘strap’ to be used, the patient should have undergone the breast augmentation procedure at least a week earlier. Normally, after a week following the procedure, a ‘band’ or a ‘strap’ is more comfortable to wear.
For patients who are required to wear a ‘band’ or ‘strap,’ it is normal to have a feeling of tightness during the first couple of days. However, following this time, patients get used to wearing their garment. In fact, some patients find that they like their ‘band’ since it gives a feeling of stability and support.
In patients where there is more fullness in the upper pole on one side or the implant seems to be sitting higher on one side, putting differential pressure on the breasts can improve symmetry and potentially avoid a secondary procedure. In these cases, we find that using a six-inch elastic bandage wrapped around the chest over the breast that has the higher implant and below the other breast. Wearing this bandage firmly, but uncomfortably so, can help to move the higher implant down and prevent the lower implant from dropping any further, improving symmetry.
Symmastia
In very rare cases, where one or both implants have moved too far to the middle so that there is inadequate separation of the breasts, known as symmastia, a specialized bra may be recommended by your surgeon to help separate the implants into a more natural position. If surgery is required to correct this condition, it is advisable to wear this type of bra for several weeks to prevent it from recurring.
Under the care of Dr. McMahan, the preponderance of the patients do not need a ‘band’ or ‘strap’ to achieve the results they wanted from their breast augmentation procedure. In the vast majority of patients, the breast implants fall into the right place and, following the appropriate recovery time, patients can revel in their new look.
No type of band or strap is required to be worn below the breasts after surgery; only a good supportive bra with no underwire is recommended.
why do you have to wear a compression bra after breast reduction
Nowadays, there’s an unlimited number of body-shaping surgeries that people can undergo, starting from Brazilian butt lifting to breast augmentation and breast reduction procedures. And although those surgeries are often associated with beauty standards, they’re critical for medical reasons most of the time.
For instance, people who undergo breast reduction surgeries often do them because they suffer from back pains and physical issues due to having huge breasts. The surgery consists of removing excess tissue and skin from the breasts, and luckily, it isn’t a high-risk surgery. But are the results permanent?
Well, the answer depends on your discipline afterward. The results can be affected by gaining weight, losing weight, and not abiding by the recovery rules, like wearing compression garments and exercising regularly.
What Are Compression Garments?
If you’ve researched body shaping surgeries, you’ve probably heard about compression garments before. They’re tight garments made from breathable fabrics, like nylon and elastin. Some are also made from moisture-wicking fabrics to ensure patients’ comfort.
Compression garments are a vital part of recovery from body-shaping surgeries, and they improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and quicken the recovery period. Unfortunately, recovering patients often have to wear them for a few weeks or months after the surgery.
Many compression garments are available on the market, like girdles, binders, leggings, socks, and bras. However, each one of them works for a different body-shaping procedure.
They also come with many types of closure. For instance, some garments have Velcro closures, while some come with hook-and-eye ones. After undergoing breast reduction surgery, you’ll have to wear a compression bra for a while.
Why Wear a Compression Bra After Breast Reduction Surgery
Compression bras are crucial for a healthy and quick recovery from breast reduction surgery, and here are five reasons why.
1. Reduces Swelling
Swelling is an expected side effect of any surgery, and breast reduction procedures are no exception. However, you can keep the swelling at bay by wearing a compression bra regularly after your surgery. But how will it help?
It’ll apply pressure over your recently treated breasts, thus preventing fluids from building up and forming a seroma. As a result, this action will allow your disrupted tissues to get essential nutrients and oxygen.
The bra will bring post-surgery bruising to a minimum as it’ll prevent your blood from accumulating at the surface of your skin.
2. Quickens Healing
Compression bras make for a more comfortable and quicker recovery period, but how? For starters, swelling disrupts your recovery by preventing nutrients from reaching the damaged tissues. This way, the tissues take a much longer time to heal. So when compression garments reduce swelling, they quicken your healing process.
In addition, wearing a compression bra protects your sutures from stretching or opening, and it also minimizes the risk of bacterial infections due to contact with your incision site.
3. Improves Final Results
Although the final results after breast reduction surgery are often satisfactory, they might not be as permanent as you think. To maintain them, you’ll need to follow specific rules. For example, you’ll have to watch your diet, exercise more often, and wear compression garments.
Luckily, compression bras contribute to pleasing results by keeping your tissue in place during recovery. As a result, they don’t allow side effects like bumps formation and skin wrinkling. Instead, they help people with poor skin elasticity keep their contoured bodies.
Finally, people with recently healed wounds are at risk of developing keloids, which form firm lesions because of excessive scar tissue. Wearing a compression bra will help soften keloids and prevent their formation.
4. Lessens Post-Surgery Pain
Pain is a natural side effect of any surgery, especially during the first week or ten days. That said, wearing a compression bra can drastically lessen your post-surgery pain. This is because it’ll protect your recently treated tissues from being pulled or stretched by your movements. Accordingly, you’ll be able to move around comfortably.
So while many people complain about how compression garments are uncomfortable, they’re saving you from a much more bothersome recovery period.
5. Improves Circulation
Compression garments are famous among poor blood circulation patients because they apply pressure on weakened areas of your body. Therefore, they help your damaged tissues get the oxygen required for healing.
After any surgery, the risk of developing blood clots increases. However, your compression bra can bring this risk to a minimum by improving blood circulation. More so, proper circulation can help prevent bacterial infections and post-surgery swelling.
Timeline of Wearing a Compression Bra After a Breast Reduction Surgery
Most people who undergo body shaping procedures are often impatient about taking off compression garments. However, optimally, there are two stages after your surgery in which you have to keep the compression bra on your body.
Stage One
Your tissues and skin are often more sensitive during the first stage of your recovery because of accumulated fluids. Also, it contains more pain and discomfort.
It would be best if you never took your compression bra off during the first stage; the only exception is during showering. It’ll deal with the fluids buildup by mediating their drainage to the lymphatic system. Accordingly, the swelling and bruising of your skin will minimize. Most patients wear their stage one compression bras for about two to four weeks post-surgery.
Stage Two
During stage two of your recovery period, your body won’t have as many accumulated fluids. You’ll be more comfortable with your movements and incision site.
The compression garments you’ll wear are often more comfortable and looser during this stage. Your doctor might even allow you to wear a regular sports bra. In addition, you won’t have to wear them 24/7; you can take them off multiple times throughout the day.
The primary role of stage two compression bras is to support your breast’s new shape and size to prevent affecting the surgery’s results. And since they’re more comfortable than stage one bras, you can wear them long-term under your clothes. And optimally, you should keep wearing them till you fully recover.
How to Choose a Compression Bra
Buying a compression bra might seem like a breeze, but it has many aspects that you should consider before purchasing. Lucky for you, we’ve made a list of the essential features of a compression bra.
Front Closures
Compression bras with front closures will be your new best friend during the recovery period. They’re insanely easy to wear and remove, and you won’t have to strain any muscles in the process.
Front Closures are essential because if you strain your arms to close the bra from behind, you might stretch your sutures too far, leading to an unfortunate event like bleeding or opening. So for maximum comfort, you should prioritize front closures in your post-surgery bra.
Adjustability
Non-adjustable compression bras can be bothersome to wear during the first week or after your surgery. For instance, if you change your sleeping position and want to adjust your bra accordingly, you won’t be able to.
That’s why, ideally, you should look for compression bras with adjustable closures and straps. This way, you won’t have to make an extra effort while wearing or removing them.
Wires
Most post-surgical bras don’t have wires; however, you may come across one that has. So it’ll be best if you check this feature before purchasing. A compression bra with wires can uncomfortably press on your incision site and cause skin indentations. And unfortunately, you might not feel them cutting into your skin because of post-surgery side effects like numbness.
Breathable Fabrics
As a rule of thumb, compression garments made from breathable fabrics are always better for your recovery period. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable, reduce scratching and irritation of the skin, and lessen the risk of bacterial infections.
They’ll also come in handy if you decide to undergo your breast reduction surgery during the summer. If you sweat a lot, you won’t risk infections and discomfort.
Degree of Compression
Not all compression garments provide the same pressure; it differs according to your healing stage. To elaborate, if you had your surgery less than a week ago, you’d need to wear a tight compression bra. But if you had it a few weeks ago, you can opt for a more petite pressure bra.
You should consult your doctor to know what’s best for you because the final answer will depend on your condition.
Antibacterial Properties
Nowadays, many compression garments on the market come with antibacterial properties, and they protect sutures from bacterial infections and keep your skin well-ventilated as long as you’re wearing them. However, not all compression garments come with this feature.
It’s worth mentioning that although antibacterial compression garments are beneficial, they aren’t crucial to your recovery period. So, if they’re out of your budget, you’ll do well with a regular compression bra.
Band
Some compression bras have long bands, while some have short ones. If you want to be highly comfortable during recovery, you should settle for an extended band; it won’t feel as restrictive as a short one, making for better adjustability.
More so, short bands wear out faster than long ones. And since you’ll be wearing your compression bra for quite a long time, you won’t be ecstatic if the band chafes midway through your recovery.
Size
After breast reduction surgeries, people often choose the wrong bra sizes, and this is because they’ve become used to wearing a specific size, and it changes suddenly. Choosing the right compression bra size is crucial for your comfort and safety.
If the bra is too tight, it might affect your blood circulation negatively and impair the supply of nutrients and oxygen to your breasts. This process will lead to a much slower recovery. Not to mention, it might cause discoloration around your breasts. While it’s an average side effect after such surgeries, it’s often distressing to many people.
On the other hand, if your bra is loose, it won’t work efficiently as a compression garment because it won’t apply enough pressure on your healing tissues.
best post surgical bra for breast augmentation
After receiving breast implants, it might be tempting to run right out and buy some new sexy bras. Wasn’t that one of the perks you were looking for anyways?
While we understand this desire (and promise that the time for it will come!), it is important that you don’t ditch the full-coverage support bras too soon.
Breast augmentation doesn’t require the longest of plastic surgery recovery timeframes; however, it is still a process. Your breasts will be swollen for several months following your surgery. This (in addition to the shifting and settling implant placement) means that your breast size will vary.
Also, while your incisions may look as though they’ve healed, they may still be tender and vulnerable to the pressure of underwire bras.
There is a progression of appropriate bra types that takes place in three steps.
1. Compression Bra
Following your surgery, you will arrive home wearing a compression bra. This bra provides the necessary support to aid in the healing process.
You will be instructed to wear this bra day and night for two weeks (at least).
Benefits of your compression bra include:
2. Supportive Sports Bra
After spending two weeks in your compression garment, you will likely be ready to graduate to a sports bra.
Be sure to get the OK from your surgeon and choose sports bras that provide adequate support, as your breasts still have some healing to do and need a lot of support.
The timetable for healing varies among women, and it’s essential to attend your follow-up appointments. The doctor will check the position of the implants as it takes some time for them to drop into place.
Once you are completely healed, all swelling has subsided, and the implants have settled, you will be given the go-ahead to buy some sexy new underwire bras.
3. Sexy Bras
Finally! Once you have completely healed and your new breast size is apparent, you can pick out some nice sexy bras – BUT – make sure they provide strong support.
If you choose underwire bras, make sure they do not irritate your scars. While they may have healed, they still have some fading to do, and irritation can delay this process. If underwire bras bother your fading scars, switch to a cute supportive bra without underwires, or limit your time wearing them.
Usually, women are recommended to wait at least six months before returning to an underwire bra.