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.
As the procedure's final results are not discernible until all swelling subsides, your results will show late. In gynecomastia surgeries or explant surgeries, not wearing compression garments as advised may result in excess skin being left over and associated sagging of skin around your breasts.
Not wearing a surgical bra will extend the healing process and may create critical problems, such as bruising, different shape of each breast or poor adhesion of connective tissue, which can lead to a variety of aesthetic defects, and so on.
When can I wear a normal bra after breast reduction? Wait for the swelling to completely subside. This can take up to three months. At that time, you can shop for new bras that fit your new breast size and shape.
Constant compression on your chest after breast surgery can be important. Patients may be advised to not go without a compression bra for the first weeks of recovery, except for short moments, like when bathing or changing from one bra to another.
Since compression bras are uncomfortable, most patients take them off immediately. However, wearing them for six weeks after the breast reduction surgery is advised.
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.
How to correctly wear your surgical bra after your breast surgery. Surgical bras should have no seam and fasten in the front with a zipper or clasps. Your surgical bra should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to insert two fingers underneath.
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.
Not wearing a bra may affect the final results or cause some post-op complications, so patients should not go braless before a surgeon's approval.
It is recommended that you wait at least 4-6 weeks before going braless after augmentation surgery. Even after this time period, you should still be wearing a supportive bra if you plan on engaging in any physical activity, as this can help protect newly augmented breasts from trauma or damage.
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. After six weeks, you may occasionally go braless, but try to keep this to special occasions, and don't make it a habit.
While it's best to provide your new breasts with as much support as possible post-surgery, it's usually safe to go braless on occasion (but not daily) from around six weeks. Most patients should wait at least 3 months before going braless on a regular basis.
However, your stretches will be limited for several weeks after your surgery. Too much strain — such as an overhead stretch — could damage the breast muscles and make another surgery necessary.
It is normally good to take a break from the surgical bra for a few hours as long as you keep the operation to a minimum during this period for our routine breast augmentation patients.
Clothing. Wear a soft supportive bra for 6 weeks after your surgery, even while sleeping. You may remove your bra when you bathe or shower. Don't wear a bra that has underwire.
LIPOELASTIC® post-operative compression bras can be named also as medical bras, recovery bras or compression bras after surgery are intended for use after undergoing plastic surgery such as augmentation, reduction, mammoplasty, breast reconstruction or mastopexy.
Plan on wearing a compression bra for several weeks after your breast surgery. Get the green light from Dr. Harrington before switching from a surgical bra to a sports bra, and then from a sports bra to a regular bra. This usually takes around 6 weeks.
Do not try to exercise, diet or do anything more than rest and recover. You will need to sleep on your back for at least 2-3 weeks. If you are a stomach sleeper or side sleeper, this can be the most difficult part of your recovery, so consider purchasing a body pillow or sleeping in a recliner.
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.
It can take the breasts 6+ months to fully mature after a reduction and some continued swelling and firmness may exist at 8 weeks.
Week Three to Four
Within the next 2-4 weeks after the procedure, you'll observe that the swelling is decreasing. It can be helpful to take photos of your recovery process to monitor your swelling and healing process.
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after your drains are removed. Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can shower. 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.
A soft and supporting bra will reduce bruising, swelling and keep the breast in the proper position. Don't spend all your recovery time in bed. Start moving around slowly, but stop when you feel pain. Moving will improve blood circulation that will send oxygen to the wound site for a faster recovery.
Sleep on Your Back
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.