Finding the Most Suitable Bra after Breast Surgery in Melbourne

The most suitable bra for you after having a breast-related surgery depends entirely on what procedure you choose and the current appearance of your breasts. Breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), and breast reduction – what are they and what do they do to the breast?

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Different kinds of Breast Surgery

The best bra after breast surgery can be related to the type of surgery you have..

Breast Augmentation – Enlarging the Breast with Implants or Your own Fat
Breast Lift (Mastpexy) – Remove excess tissue to reshape and raise your breasts
Implants with a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – A Breast Lift (as above) with added implants for upper pole fullness
Breast Reduction – Reduces heavy breasts by removing extra fatty tissue and skin (incl a lift)

Pros and cons of wearing a bra

Wearing a bra has pros and cons. You have to consider both so you can know which one is suitable for you. This will depend on your personality, needs, level of comfort and condition.

The benefits of wearing a bra:

It is widely known but not well-proven that bras support your breasts and prevent them from descending. Bras lift them upward so that gravity does not affect them as much.
It is important to note that breasts are naturally held up by the internal supersensory ligaments and the skin envelope found on the outside, which contains the breasts and bras are there to help keep them in place.
A Good Bra may:
- Improve your posture and prevent spine and back problems.
- Prevent descending of the breasts- helping your posture by supporting your breasts.
- Adjust “flaws” that we find on our breasts, squeezing them into a shape that we want.

The disadvantages of wearing a bra

The disadvantages of wearing a bra can vary – especially if the bra is badly fitted or too tight on their body. So if you’re currently wearing a bra that is making you feel uncomfortable, you may feel some of these symptoms:

Headache: Putting unnecessary strain on your neck and upper back may cause an unwanted headache. And if you continue to use that bra, it may overwork your neck muscles and give you more intense headaches.
Breathlessness: As your bra is too tight for you, it will restrict the movement of your ribs and give you shortness of breath.
Skin damage: Tight bras can hamper your blood circulation and eventually damage your skin.
Back pain: When you wear a tight bra, it puts a lot of strain on your back and leads to a stiff back.

Different Types of Bras

Like surgeries, there are different types of bras depending on your needs. Below are some examples:

Surgical bras

Surgical bras are used after breast surgery to support your new breasts. These bras may have a strap or band that presses down from above so that the implants can reach their desired position faster. The bra needs to be worn 24/7 for the first two weeks, except for times when you need to shower.

These are also known as compression bras and they are bras without underwires. They are the best bra for those who chose to get a breast augmentation and breast reduction because:

They can keep the wound dressings in position
Limit the movement of the implants
Protect the breast tissue
Help reduce swelling of the breasts
Promote a speedy recovery

Transition bras

Once the two weeks are up, you may switch your bra to the transition bra. This bra is a non-underwire, supportive bra that needs to be worn every day and night. You may need to wear this bra for an additional two weeks and once you’ve reached the 4-week mark, there will be no need to wear this transition bra at night. The same goes for breast reduction, where you will be using a transition bra but for 4 weeks instead of 2 weeks. When the 6-week mark is reached, you may wear any bra provided it does not have an underwire. This is because the skin under your breast can still be numb during these weeks, using an underwire bra could make them feel sore.

Long term bras

Long-term bras are usually worn after three months after breast surgery. Underwired bras tend to rub on the incision site and cause mild discomfort. Many surgeons suggest avoiding underwire bras after breast surgery. You must be careful and always check that your incision site can tolerate your bra.

Once your breasts have recovered, they have settled to the final position and the incisions have healed then it is time to change to a bra that could help support your new breasts long-term.

It should also prevent your implants and breasts from descending, which is something we wouldn’t want months after your breast surgery.

The right type of bra for you after 3 months

It is important to remind you that since everyone heals differently, recovery times also differ between patients. The average healing time for a patient is from three to six months.

To find out which bra would suit you best, below are several characteristics/features that your post-surgery bra should have:

No Underwire
Front clasps – for easier removal
Fit – it must fit well on your breasts
Support – Your breasts should feel supported and lifted higher than your old bras

If a bra fits all these characteristics, then it could be the best bra for you. A good bra can help sustain and support your breasts; making them look as good as it was after healing.

Normal bras

A normal bra is a bra that provides breast support by giving it a better shape and the lift it needs.
There are many types of normal bras from;
- no wire to wired
- And padding to no padding.
Your breasts may need a while before you decide to use a normal bra since there is a chance that your breasts may still change in shape a few months after surgery.

Sports bras

Sports bras help to limit breast movement and motion
They offer maximum support for your breasts while holding them firmly in place.
Not only does it help reduce breast pain and discomfort while working out, but it can also prevent long-term descending.

This bra is also recommended for those who have undergone cosmetic surgery because of the support it gives your breasts.

Zip or clasp bras

These are bras with a zipper attached to them at the front of the bra instead of the back.
They are much easier to take off and put on, compared to the normal bra where the clasps are at the back.
Most of them are sports bras, supporting and keeping the breasts firm while providing you with the fastest way of putting on a sports bra.
The disadvantage of this is that:
- You should avoid too much movement
- Since there is a zipper at the front, the chance of it folding over itself is a bit high.
- Though uncomfortable when that happens, as long as you do not move excessively then there is nothing to worry about.

No bra

For breast reduction surgery, the minimum number of weeks you can wait to be able to wear no bra would be from 6-8 weeks after the surgery. But first, you’ll need advice from the doctor before deciding to be braless.

The same goes for breast augmentation where the minimum is also 6 weeks after surgery. Take note that it shouldn’t become the norm – you should only go braless for rare occasions. Your breasts are always fighting against gravity, so you need to constantly support your breasts even after a few months after getting the procedure.

As for the breast lift (mastopexy), there should be a minimum of a month. But it still depends on your doctor if they will allow you or not since your breasts would still need support from a bra.

Recovery after breast surgery

Always follow the steps and directions your surgeon gives you before and after your surgery. Here are basic or common practices that our patients do:

Things to avoid

The number one thing to avoid after surgery is smoking. Smoking does several bad things to your health already, so if you are to smoke a few weeks before and after the surgery, then it could affect not only your breasts but also your blood, skin, and immune system.

Another thing to avoid is excessive weight gain or loss while you are healing. Your breast tissues could end up descending and your skin could lose its elasticity. Aside from that, you should also avoid pregnancy since your new breasts will be affected through lactation and can potentially increase your breast size.

Care for your surgical tapes

You need to take special care of your surgical tapes since you’ll need to have them on for the first eight weeks after the surgery. These tapes reinforce the incisions made during the surgery. Avoid removing them since they help reduce the impact of scars on your skin.

Regular self-breast check-ups

Monthly self-examinations should be done once you hit 40 years old, this is to make sure that if there are problems with your breasts, it is likely you will find it sooner rather than later. Aside from that, it can also help you monitor your healing progress.

Dos and don’ts in post-recovery

You need to exercise within 6 weeks after the surgery. Light exercises only, such as rolling your shoulder blades, circling and stretching your arms. Make sure to wear your surgical or transition bra as you do so to avoid any complications. If you feel any pain while doing a certain exercise, your incisions will be the first sign that will tell you that you are overexerting yourself.
You must wear your prescribed bra to bed until your doctor says it is safe to have it off. Wearing it will help your breasts stay in position, along with covering your incisions and protecting them from everyday movement and daily tasks. Don’t forget to follow the doctor’s instructions on when and how much medicine you need to take for pain.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, putting on makeup or other chemicals not prescribed by your doctor on the site of the incision(s). Not only will it affect the outer skin of your body, but your inner organs will be affected as well. There might be a bad reaction since your incisions are barely made or are still healing and should not be touched yet.

Patience is needed for desired results. If you follow these suggestions and other directions made by your doctor, then you may start seeing results. Consult one of our team if you still do not know which bra would suit you. A suitable bra for post-operative breast surgeries is entirely up to the patient, where comfort should be considered along with purpose and support.

For more information regarding postoperative care, you can visit our website: https://cocorubyplasticsurgery.com.au/patient-resources/post-operative-care-guide/

Read our Post Op Guide and Blog on Bra Shops

About Dr Craig Rubinstein
MED0001124843

Dr Craig Rubinstein FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is an experienced Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon for breast and abdominoplasty surgery.

Dr Rubinstein offers women personalised abdominoplasty surgery and all forms of cosmetic breast surgery.

BOOK A CONSULTATION (03) 8849 1400

Next Steps in Your Surgical Journey

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What to Bring to Your Consultation

You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
Ensure you also take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents provided.
Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes.