Types of Bras to Purchase & Wear Following Breast Augmentation
As part of the recovery process following breast augmentation, a surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression bra immediately after the procedure and a bra without underwires in the few months after that. What is the reason for wearing these different types of bras, and why is it important to wait for your surgeon’s approval before purchasing and wearing underwire bras?
Following Augmentation
It’s likely that your surgeon will ask you to wear a compression bra, tubular elastic strap (bandeau), sports bra, or surgical bra/vest for 24 hours a day during the first two to six weeks following your breast augmentation procedure. Wearing this type of bra is important because it can help:
– Support the breasts, which can help reduce pain and discomfort
– Limit the strain on skin closures, encouraging healing
– Provide mild compression to the breasts, which can help reduce swelling
– Prevent excessive movement of the implants within the breast pocket
While just the right combination of compression and support are important, the post-augmentation bra your surgeon gives to you or asks you to buy should be comfortable. If it’s too tight, ask him or her to recommend an alternative.
Avoid Underwire Bras
Once your surgeon says you no longer have to wear a compression bra, you may begin wearing bras without underwires, such as sports bras and soft regular bras. He or she may recommend that you avoid buying and wearing underwire bras for the first month to six months after your breast enhancement procedure. This is typically to avoid reopening or irritating inframammary incisions, which are made in the breast crease near the chest wall. It’s imperative that your incisions heal completely before wearing underwire bras, which can rub and irritate the incision site.
Before You Buy Expensive Underwire Lingerie & Other Long-Term Support Wear
While it can be tempting to purchase a variety of feminine lingerie sets to accentuate your enhanced silhouette, you should keep in mind that it will take some time for your implants to settle properly into the breast pockets. Breast augmentation causes swelling and tightness in the skin and muscles, and the breasts will temporarily exhibit upper pole fullness. Over time, the implants will shift slightly lower as swelling subsides and the skin and muscles stretch to accommodate the implants. The breasts will soften and become more teardrop in shape. These breast changes can occur over several months and are why it’s important to wait for your final result – and for your surgeon to approve of your healing progress – before purchasing bras.
You should also get fitted before buying bras so that they fit you properly and provide enough support. Additionally, consider your lifestyle when buying long-term support wear. For example, if you are a runner, you’ll also want to look for sports bras that will not only accommodate the size of your breasts, but also provide added support when you run.
Finally, your surgeon may ask you to limit the time you spend braless. Your breasts are only naturally supported by your skin and ligaments (known as Cooper’s ligaments), which are susceptible to stretching over time. Your best defense against ptosis, or sagging, is to wear a comfortable, supportive bra as often as possible.
Ask Your Surgeon
It’s important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform your breast augmentation procedure. If you have questions about the types of bras your plastic surgeon will expect you to wear during the weeks and months following breast enhancement, don’t be afraid to ask him or her at any time. Adhering to your surgeon’s exact post-operative suggestions and instructions can help ensure the best overall results.
Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.
Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.
Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.
Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: breast augmentation, breast enhancement, breast enlargement, breast implants