Some surgeons say not to wear a bra at first because the implants need time to 'settle in. ' A bra, no matter the type, will alter the shape and position of the breasts somewhat. Pressure from your bra offers support and increases comfort, but it can change the final appearance of the breasts.
If you do not wear a compression bra following breast implant placement or stop wearing it before your implant settles in a new shape and size, there is a high risk of your implants dislocating from their position.
In general, most women are able to wear bras 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation. That being said, Dr. Pozner recommends waiting approximately three months before spending a lot of money on new bras.
Breast sagging can still happen
Going braless is great for a special occasion or event. However, all breasts, perky implants or otherwise, are subject to breast ptosis.
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.
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.
If you stop wearing the surgical bra before the recommended time provided in your surgeon's aftercare plan, you may notice that it takes longer for your incision to heal. Compression bras increase blood flow to the surgical site, flooding the area with nutrients and proteins to boost cell renewal and speed up healing.
Because the implant is meant to sit directly behind the natural breasts, their final appearance may look to be too "wide" to produce the cleavage the patient desires. Another cause may be that the implants moved laterally away from the midline while settling.
However, it's important that you don't sleep on your side or roll onto your side in your sleep. This could put pressure on the implant or your incisions as you heal, which may affect your results. My patients can typically return to side sleeping (while wearing a supportive bra) within 2 weeks.
Saline and silicone breast implants are made from neutral materials well tolerated by the human body. While the body can have an inflammatory reaction to implants, this isn't a rejection. Breast implants are made from the same materials as many medical devices that are well tolerated by the body.
"Can I take a rest from my bra?" The doctor recommends that you wear the bra as close 23 hours per day as possible (all day and night, except for the time when you're in the shower). You will need to wear a sports bra with no under wire for 6 weeks, or until the doctor says you are clear to start wearing a regular bra.
For the most part, patients will need to wait at least four to six weeks before they can switch to side sleeping. For some patients, it may be more like eight weeks.
Can I wear a tight sports bra after breast augmentation? Yes, you can wear a sports bra after breast augmentation. However, make sure it is not too tight. Otherwise, a tight bra increases the risk of implant rupture and damage to your breast tissues.
Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, or upper body activity for at least 3-4 weeks.
'Drop' refers to the breast implants settling into a more natural position as the muscles relax and any swelling and inflammation subside. The 'fluff' describes how the implants fill the lower pole of the breast as this relaxation occurs and appear softer and fuller like newly-plumped cushions.
Arm Limitations
It is easy to tear out these stitches early on, so it is vital that no strenuous arm activity be performed for several weeks; this includes putting your arms over your head for the first three weeks. So, avoid pullover shirts for that period of time.
Capsular Contracture: Heavy activity before you have healed enough from breast augmentation can cause capsular contracture, an uncomfortable condition that can only be corrected with surgery.
Breast implants are foreign to your body, so your body will need some time to acclimate to your new breasts. Displaced tissues and swelling are common in many breast augmentation surgeries. The swelling can even make your enhanced breasts appear to be unnaturally far apart for a short time post-surgery.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Type
Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Compared to saline implants, they more closely mimic the look and feel of your natural breasts.
Breast implants
Implants that are put in front of the muscle are held in place using a special tissue called acellular dermal matrix. Over time, your body replaces this tissue with collagen.
The best position for safe sleeping after breast augmentation surgery is on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. This position, typically achieved by sleeping in a recliner or with a stack of pillows, can reduce breast swelling and soreness.
During the first several weeks (typically between 4-6 weeks) after your breast augmentation, it's important to wear a compression or sports bra. Compression provided by these bras during your recovery help ensure that the incisions heal correctly and the implants are positioned appropriately.
Typically, most patients will be required to wear a compression bra during their initial part of recovery (two weeks after surgery). At that point, you can switch to a compression sports bra but make sure to avoid anything with an underwire. This can be worn for another two weeks, day and night.