Wearing a bra after breast augmentation is a pretty common question among patients who have had the surgery. So, when can you start wearing one?
The short answer is that it depends on what type of implant you get and how your body responds to the surgery. For most patients, it’s recommended that they wear a bra for four weeks after the surgery, but this timeframe can vary depending on many factors.
In this article, we’ll answer questions such as when can I wear a regular bra after breast lift and when can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation.
When Can I Wear Underwire Bra After Breast Lift
Shopping for a new wardrobe, including new bras, is one of the things women look forward to most after breast augmentation. However, patience is crucial immediately after surgery. While it’s understandable that you’ll be excited to try on tops, bras and bikinis that highlight your new figure, you’ll need to wait awhile before going on a shopping spree.
The first factor is your medical history. If you have had previous surgeries or other health issues with your breasts, it’s recommended that you wait until six weeks to wear an underwire bra or any kind of bra that has an underwire in it. The reason for this is because the wire could press against sensitive areas and cause pain or discomfort during this healing time frame.
If you don’t have any medical issues with your breasts and are just getting implants for cosmetic purposes, then it’s safe to say that four weeks should be fine to start wearing a bra again if this is what feels right for you. However, if there are any concerns about when it’s okay to start wearing one after breast augmentation surgery, then talk with your plastic surgeon about what they recommend based on their experience with patients who have undergone similar procedures before!
Factors Impacting How Long You Must Wait to Wear a Bra after Breast Augmentation
One of the most important factors impacting the length of time required before wearing a bra after breast augmentation is the type of implant you choose. It may take as long as a month before you’re able to wear a bra with saline implants. However, women who choose silicone breast implants will need to wear a sports bra shortly after their breast augmentation procedure in order to receive the proper support while they heal.
Another factor is the texture and shape of your breast implant:
- Smooth, round-shaped implants – These take longer to settle into place. Wearing a bra before this occurs can potentially cause you to develop irregularities in your breast shape.
- Textured, teardrop-shaped implants – Extra compression and support will be needed during your recovery to prevent these implants from rotating, which will create an unnatural breast appearance. We recommend wearing a sports bra while you recover to avoid this issue.
Wait 3 Months before Buying New Bras
In general, most women are able to wear bras within 4-6 weeks of their procedure, depending on the type of implant used. However, our plastic surgeons recommend waiting to buy new bras until three months after surgery. Often, there will be some residual swelling for several months, and it make also take time for your breast implants to drop into position in the breast pocket. If you buy new bras before you’ve fully healed, you may find that they don’t fit properly once your final results are noticeable.
In order to avoid this situation, it’s best to buy a few inexpensive bras for the recovery period. Make sure the bras you purchase are comfortable and don’t contain underwire. Underwire bras can potentially irritate the incision site, so you’ll need to avoid wearing them until you’ve fully healed.
When Can I Wear a Regular Bra After Breast Lift
Do’s And Don’ts After Breast Surgery
Can I Have Sex After Breast Surgery?
Do have sex, but be careful. Only use positions that are comfortable to you and that don’t put too much impact on your upper body until you have reached six weeks from your breast surgery. Don’t forget to keep your breasts supported at all times, including during sex. Make sure to keep a few inches of distance between your chest and your partner’s. Light touches are acceptable, but your breasts will be sensitive as long as three weeks after your surgery. It’s also recommended to wear a compression bra while you and your partner are intimate.
Can I Go on Vacation After My Surgery?
If you choose to go somewhere that’s hot and sunny after breast surgery, make sure to protect your skin and specifically your incision sites from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dr. Howland will instruct you on exactly when you can return to work and normal activities, and advise you on when it’s safe to fly on an airplane if a vacation is in the near future after your operation.
Don’t go into a pool if you go on vacation. You should also refrain from strenuous exercise and continue to wear your compression bra as recommended by Dr. Howland. Adequate support and gentle movement are critical to ensuring safe and natural-looking results.
When Can I Use Tanning Beds Again?
Do wait at least six to eight weeks after your surgery before tanning. Also, use sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and make sure to protect the entirety of your breasts, especially the incision site.
Don’t expose your scars if you go into a tanning bed. This can be a big mistake that leaves you with hyperpigmentation. Avoid going topless in the tanning bed until you are completely healed.
Can I Drink Alcohol After My Surgery?
Do follow the advice of Dr. Howland for when you’re allowed to drink after your breast surgery. While it can be tempting to get back to your normal lifestyle with friends and family, it’s important to put your health first and make sure you give yourself adequate rest for the weeks following your procedure so you can properly heal.
Don’t drink any alcohol for at least 48 hours after your surgery. You should also limit how much you drink a few weeks prior to your surgery as you want any and all medications you’re advised or prescribed to work properly and not be rendered ineffective.
When Can I Wear Normal Bras Again?
Do discuss this topic with Dr. Howland and have your breasts measured to check your new bra size once your implants have settled. Once you know your new cup size, you can begin bra shopping. Generally, you should wait at least six weeks before you switch to regular bras again.
Don’t underestimate your compression bra. It’s not sexy, but it works to keep your breasts in place as you heal, helping speed the recovery process as well as ensure your results are the most natural-looking they can be.
Can I Go Braless After My Surgery?
Do show off your new breasts once they’ve fully settled and healed, but be careful. You should avoid going braless before the six-week mark after your surgery. Dr. Howland requires patients to wear their compression bra for several weeks at all times except when bathing to aid the healing process.
Can I Exercise After My Surgery?
Do rest as much as possible and avoid exercise after your surgery. Usually, after about a week, you can do light activities like household chores and office work. Once you get to week six, you can perform light upper body exercises but should avoid getting too strenuous.
Don’t ignore your body after your surgery. Rest as much as you can and you’ll eventually bounce back. Over-exerting yourself too early in the recovery process can impede your breasts’ healing.
When Can I Bathe After My Surgery?
Dr. Howland will give you instructions for how to shower or bathe depending on your unique surgical plan. Usually, breast surgery patients can shower the day after surgery as long as they keep their incision sites dry and protected.
Don’t slip into a tub full of water. Full immersion in water will likely be prohibited for several weeks following your operation.
Can I Wear a Bralette After Breast Augmentation
Following your breast lift procedure, it is important to wear a compression bra for the first six weeks. This garment will help reduce swelling and provide support to your newly lifted breasts. The compression bra will also help maintain pressure on your incisions, promoting proper healing and minimizing scarring. By following your surgeon’s recommendations and wearing your compression bra as directed, you can ensure the best possible results from your breast lift procedure.
When Can I Sleep Without A Bra After Breast Augmentation
If you’ve had breast augmentation surgery, you can feel free to ditch the bra every once in a while after you’ve had enough time to heal (typically between 6 and 8 weeks). However, many women find that bra-wearing is not only more comfortable, but also provides necessary extra support after getting implants. Furthermore, wearing a bra helps support the implants and may prevent or delay sagging, drooping, stretched-out skin, and other undesirable changes to the breasts over time, especially when exercising or engaging in high-impact physical activities. As long as you choose a skilled plastic surgeon, practice good post-operative care for your breast implants, and wear supportive bras, your rejuvenated appearance can last for years, if not decades.
