Tips: Best Breast Augmentation / Breast Lift Surgery Recovery Bras
Wearing a recovery brassiere after your breast augmentation or breast lift procedure is an important part of recovering from surgery. The ideal bra is made to ensure that the breast implants stay properly positioned during the recovery period. The support these specialized bras helps to decrease discomfort, and ensures proper positioning of the breasts during this important period.
Wearing the wrong bra too soon after surgery has the opposite effect: healing can be prolonged, and in extreme cases sub-optimal breast implant position can ensue.
Remember, these comments are largely my opinions based on my surgical experience, and should not be construed as medical advice. You should ultimately seek the recommendations of your surgeon regarding this issue. It’s also important to keep in mind that individual patients may have specific needs that differ from the general population.
Recovery Bra Features
Recovery bras should provide just the right amount of support to the recovering breasts. Too much or too little support or pressure could end up compromising the shape of the new breasts. These are the features you should look for:
- Opt for a post-surgery specific bra
- No underwire
- Front-zip or Velcro closure (which can prevent having to lift the arms)
- Pressure-free fit
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable straps
- A shape that is compatible with incision placement (so excess strain is not focused on the area of the breast where incisions are made).
Types of Post-Procedure Garments
Recovery bras can come in a variety of different designs, fabrics, shapes, and sizes. The key is to find the right combination of all three characteristics that complements the type of surgery performed. Here’s a brief overview of the different bra designs that are ideal for recovery:
Front-Closure Bras: This is a classic “tried and true” bra type for post-surgery care that is ideal for patients who undergo breast surgery procedures using the axillary (underarm incision) technique. Front-closure bras feature zippers, hooks, or loop closures at the front. This enables patients to slip into the bra without having to lift their arms.
Sports Bras: In some instances, a simple sports bra can be used as long as it provides the proper compression and support. This type of bra is great they usually feature breathable fabric and no underwire. Surgeons will often recommend their patients to switch to a sports bra in the latter phases of the recovery period.
Breast Bandeaus: These are bands worn above the breasts to prevent upward displacement of the implant. While helping with support, breast bands do not provide compression or incision protection. As such they should only be used alongside a post-surgery bra.
Recovery Bra Sizing
The sizing of any bra after your breast procedure can be complicated. One common technique is to use the combination of a patient’s projected (after surgery) cup size and one size up from her current band width. Surgeons will sometimes recommend investing in a few different sizes to ensure a proper comfortable fit.
To learn more about recovering from surgical breast procedures please see these posts:
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
It’s important to know what kind of bras to wear after coming out of the procedure–this is in order to help recover from the adjustments that have been recently made. Making sure to pick out the right kind of undergarment would help relieve the pain and discomfort that a woman would experience after a breast augmentation procedure.
WONDERFUL POST!
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