Photo by: Castorly Stock
Enhancing the breasts with implants doesn’t just change their size; it also changes cup size. And shopping for beautiful new bras after surgery is one of the most exciting parts of the breast augmentation journey.
But before you schedule a shopping trip or purchase anything online, there are some guidelines you’ll need to follow. Below, Dr. Mark Lowney explains how best to navigate bra shopping after breast augmentation.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY
You should not invest in a new bra immediately after surgery, as your healing breasts need time to settle and stabilize. Besides, you won’t be wearing a regular bra for at least a few weeks.
Most patients are advised to wear a special bra (similar to a sports bra) for the first three to six weeks after surgery. This bra puts gentle compression on your breasts and should be snug, with no underwire that could irritate the incisions and wide straps at the shoulders. It should have a front closure to make it easier to put on and take off. Other patients are advised not to wear a bra for about a month after surgery.
The type of compression bra you wear immediately after surgery — or whether you need to wear a bra at all — is up to Dr. Lowney’s discretion.
WHILE THE SWELLING SUBSIDES
After monitoring your healing progress through regular follow-up appointments, Dr. Lowney will give you the go-ahead to start wearing regular bras. You will want to purchase a few comfortable, inexpensive bras in different sizes. Your breasts may still be slightly swollen up to three months after surgery, and having a few different sizes of bras can help accommodate these changes.
ONCE THE BREASTS STABILIZE
Around the three-month mark, your implants will have settled into their pockets and softened. This is a good time to start shopping for new bras! It’s important to find bras that fit well and don’t poke, prod or pinch, so getting measured by a professional can be helpful.
After finding your proper size and investing in a few everyday bras, make sure you also find some quality sports bras. Wearing an inadequate bra while exercising allows the breasts to bounce around, which can put stress on the breast tissue.
For more information about breast implants and breast augmentation, Dr. Lowney invites you to book a consultation at Advanced Body Sculpting of New England. Call (877) 577-5476 or email us today to make your appointment.
