Once you’ve undergone your breast augmentation surgery, one of the first things you’ll want to do is go and get new bras. However, after undergoing a surgical procedure it is important to ensure you are wearing the right type of bra.
After your surgery, you will generally be advised to wear a compression garment, otherwise known as a post-surgical bra.
Post-surgical bra
After surgery, you’re going to want to feel as comfortable as possible. A bra with a metal wire may look better, but won’t necessarily provide the comfort you require. This is why you will need to wear a post-surgical bra. This will not only be more comfortable, but it can also help avoid complications such as excessive swelling, stretching skin, implants shifting, seromas and lymphedemas. This bra will help to reduce swelling and therefore speed up the recovery time.
Post-surgical bras are generally fitted with pouches which allow for easy management of any post-op drainage tubes.
During the initial recovery period, you will have to wear the post-surgical bras 24 hours a day. As a result, it is important to ensure your post-surgical bra features:
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable straps
- No underwire
You should feel no pressure when you wear the bra.
Post-surgical bras will come in a range of designs, sizes and fabrics. Your surgeon may be able to recommend which type is the best for you following your surgery.
The various types of post-surgical bras include:
Front-closure bras
This will be your generic type of post-surgical bra. This allows you to have easy access to the hooks and loops. The bread will be stretchy and it will feature adjustable straps, with some having adjustable bands.
Sports bras
Many women will already own a sufficient sports bra and may wish to wear this throughout the recovery period rather than purchasing a different post-surgical bra. If you decide to wear one of your own sports bras, you will need to ensure it provides enough compression and does not feature an underwire.
Compression vests
Otherwise known as a surgical vest, the compression vest is similar to the front-closure bra, but extends more down the waist. This will be an appropriate choice if the surgeon used the inframammary surgical method.
Tips for buying bras after your breast augmentation
Once you are no longer in the recovery period and do not have to wear a compression garment, you will be able to start wearing new bras that fit your new breast size. However, there are tips you should follow to ensure you purchase the best bra possible.
- Make sure you have waited long enough after surgery: it is understandable that you will want to rush out after surgery and buy new bras which will compliment your breasts. However, it can be a mistake to rush this purchase. The recovery period will take between three to six weeks, after which point you still may experience some swelling or discomfort. You may still need to wear a bra that provides support, rather than starting to wear a push-up bra or a bra with an underwire.
- Are you wearing the correct size: after breast augmentation, it may be a good idea to get professionally fitted before purchasing a new bra. This will ensure that you are wearing the correct size bra. A fitting specialist will even be able to help you by suggesting flattering styles of bras to purchase.
- Don’t buy the most expensive bra: you may want to save your money and not purchase the most expensive bra right away. This is because swelling may last for several months, and it may take up to six months for your breasts to completely settle. If you purchase all of your bras after six weeks, they may not fit properly at the six-month point. It is best to wait a few months until all swelling has gone down until you spend lots of money on lingerie.
Are you interested in breast surgery? Centre for Surgery are breast experts. We offer a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, lift, enlargement and uplift and implant replacement. Contact us today to find out about any of our procedures or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.