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.
Patients usually receive a surgical bra to wear for two weeks after surgery, 24 hours a day. At your follow-up visit, we will let you know if you should continue to wear the surgical bra or if you can wear a similar support garment of your choice.
When can I sleep without a bra after breast reduction? Patients should wear a compression bra throughout the recovery, that is for about 8 weeks (it can be underwire-free bra or front closure bra, or any other type of bra).
If you have undergone a reduction or implant removal and don't wear your compression bra you may end up with more excess, sagging skin around your breasts.
It is recommended that you wear the surgical bra/ sports bra for 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week for 21 days. You may remove the bra to shower/bathe.
A sports bra will keep the breasts in place while exercising, but it can be too restrictive when dealing with post-surgery recovery. The breasts can swell a little and a sports bra won't leave any room for this.
After sleeping with upper body slightly elevated on your back for at least four to six weeks, you can usually transition to just sleeping on your back, flat on your bed, for a few weeks.
2-4 Weeks Post Surgery
Between two and four weeks, you will be returning to your normal activities, although some movements may cause minor discomfort. It is not uncommon to have itching as your incisions heal. Swelling should be noticeably reduced. You still need to remain in a soft bra without an underwire.
You can take your first shower the day after your drain or bandage is removed. This is usually within about 1 week. Sometimes doctors say it is okay to shower the day after surgery. Do not take a bath or soak in a hot tub for about 4 weeks.
When you begin showering, take a shower every day to help keep your incision clean. Before entering the shower, remove your bra and the gauze pad covering your incision.
During your recovery, your activity level will be significantly reduced. This decrease in movement can lead to fluid retention, increasing your swelling and bloating symptoms. Without being able to engage in the physical activity you usually would, you may even recognise a small weight gain. This is completely normal!
Typically, most reductions bring the cup size down one to two sizes, though in cases of extremely large breasts, more drastic results may be achieved. For example, a woman who is a DD but wants a reduction to reduce discomfort, especially during physical activity and exercise may be able to go down to a B-C cup.
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.
If you habitually sleep on your stomach or side, Dr. Orringer suggests that you consider practice sleeping on your back in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Typically, patients can safely resume their preferred sleeping style four to six weeks after surgery.
The ideal fit for a post-surgery bra should be snug but not tight. The best indicator that your bra fits correctly is that it's comfortable, and although you might feel some pressure, this isn't excessive or painful. Signs that your bra is too tight include: the straps or edges leaving marks on your skin.
The best way to lose belly fat after a breast reduction is through a low-calorie healthy diet and exercise program. Most patients are amazed at how much easier it is to exercise without the extra weight and volume.
The most optimal position to sleep in after a breast reduction is on your back. This is particularly important in the first few weeks after breast reduction, as sleeping on your stomach or side can put additional pressure on the chest and the incision sites.
Do not shave or use deodorant for 1 week after your drains have been removed. You can shave and use deodorant after 1 week if your incisions have no open areas. For pain, take prescribed pain medication, Tylenol®, or ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Your surgical bra should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to insert two fingers underneath.
It is critical that patients wear their supportive unwired medical bra at all times for the first 1 – 2 weeks after breast lift surgery. At this point, you may be able to sleep without a bra, though most patients find it more comfortable to continue wearing an unwired bra around the clock for several more weeks.
The support of a bra is essential in this battle. Generally speaking, you shouldn't consider going braless for at least six weeks after breast augmentation. Your breasts need to be thoroughly supported during this time to ensure optimal healing.
Most women experience the most pain during the first few days post-procedure. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe pain relief medicine to ease the pain. Furthermore, as part of the recovery process, drainage tubes may be placed on your breasts to help reduce swelling.
While you won't lose much weight from a breast reduction surgery, your appearance will change, and you will look slimmer. Large breasts tend to change the proportion of your figure and make you appear bigger. When the breast size is altered, it has a slimming effect.