Everything You Need to Know About Post Surgery Bras | Breast Care and Recovery
When Do You Need a Post Op Bra?
When going into surgery, surgeons will either recommend you find your own bra and bring it with you, they will provide one for you that will be placed on the day of surgery or at your first follow up appointment, or recommend ordering a bra that will be worn after your procedure.
How Many Surgical Bras Do I Need?
Surgeons recommend wearing a supportive bra 24 hours per day while recovering. It's best to have at least two post op bras so that you can alternate washing them regularly.
Do I Need to Sleep in My Post-Op Bra?
Yes, it’s recommended that you sleepwith a bra on, on your back, during recovery after breast surgery. After two weeks, it is ok to sleep in whatever position is comfortable, while wearing your bra.
The Importance of Wearing Your Post Op Bra
A huge issue for some patients is that they don't want to wear medical bras. They say:
- that surgical bras are ugly
- they don't go with their clothes
- they don't want to wear the bra they were given.
What should you do if this is you?
Remember:
- After surgery you need to aid recovery by reducing swelling through the gentle compression a bra provides.
- You want to have your implants successfully secure themselves, through healing, in their new location (breast pocket). You must support your breast with a bra following breast surgery to avoid lateral (a bigger space between the breasts) and vertical displacement, which can lead to bottoming out when the implants are sitting lower than desired.
- A good post-op bra will feel good and remove pressure from your incisions.
- You don't have to sacrifice performance for looks. LaBratory Bras offers functional and beautiful bras that were designed for this exact scenario.
Can I Wear A Sports Bra After Surgery?
Sports Bras aren't great after surgery because they're flattening. You don't wants your your breasts to be unnaturally high, because they didn’t have a chance to “fluff and drop” after surgery!
While sports bras are designed to provide support and reduce movement during physical activity, they are not be ideal immediately after surgery because they can compress and flatten the breasts, rather than lift and bring together, which may lead to lateral displacement while healing.
What After-Surgery Bra Should I Buy?
After surgery, it is important to allow the breasts to heal and ensure proper blood circulation in the area.
What you want is support around the breast with gentle compression to minimize inflammation, but to allow the excessive tension on the swollen breasts after surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery and recommendations from the healthcare professional, specialized post-surgical bras or compression garments may be recommended. These garments are designed to provide gentle compression and support while allowing room for post-surgical swelling and the healing process. They generally have adjustable closures and compression levels to adapt to individual needs.
It is always important to follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare team regarding post-surgical care and the use of appropriate bras during recovery. They will guide you on the best options based on the specific surgery and your personal needs.
Do They Give You A Surgical Bra After Surgery?
Surgeons may or may not provide a bra for you after breast surgery. All surgeons should recommend a bra for you to help your healing process post-surgery. It is important to note that individual surgeons may have different practices and preferences regarding providing a bra after breast surgery. Some surgeons may provide a surgical bra or recommend certain bras specifically designed for post-surgery recovery, while others may not provide one at all.
What Post Op Bras Do Surgeons Use?
However, regardless of whether a surgeon provides a bra or not, it is generally recommended that patients wear a supportive and comfortable bra during the healing process after breast surgery. This is to ensure proper support to the surgical area, minimize post-operative discomfort, reduce swelling, and promote better healing by reducing tension on the incision.
Patients should consult with their surgeon before the surgery to discuss any specific recommendations regarding post-surgery bra usage and to address any concerns they may have.
When Do You Need to Wear a Bra After Surgery?
Most surgeons recommend wearing a bra immediately after surgery and that a bra should be worn continuously for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Because of this, we recommend buying at least two bras following surgery so that one can be washed while the other is being worn. Some surgeons may prefer to place you into a bra at your first follow up, which is often the case with breast reconstruction, as excess pressure on the mastectomy skin is not recommended.
Do You Need to Wear a Post-Op Bra After Breast Surgery?
Are post-op bras necesary? Absolutely! here's are some of the features that you need to wear a post-op bra after breast surgery.
- Support:After breast surgery, your breasts will need support as they heal. A post-op bra is specially designed to provide the right amount of compression and support to help minimize movement and aid in the healing process.
- Comfort:Post-op bras are made from soft, breathable materials that help you feel comfortable during the recovery period. They are typically seamless to avoid irritating any incisions or sensitive areas.
- Protection:Wearing a post-op bra can help protect your incision sites from any unnecessary friction or impacts that could cause discomfort or delay healing. It acts as a gentle barrier between your skin and outer clothing. It can help keep dressings secure and can provide some pressure over dressings, which is beneficial after drain removal.
- Swelling and fluid control:Post-op bras often have adjustable straps and closures, allowing you to customize the fit to provide the necessary support and compression to minimize swelling. Some post-op bras also have pockets to hold drainage tubes or pads for managing fluid buildup.
- Shape and contouring:Depending on the type of breast surgery you undergo, a post-op bra can help maintain your desired shape and contour. It can provide extra support to prevent sagging or shifting of breast tissues during the healing process.
Remember to consult with your surgeon or healthcare provider for specific recommendations regarding post-op bras and any other post-operative care instructions.
When Can I Stop Wearing My Surgical Bra After Surgery?
The duration of wearing a surgical bra after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery you have undergone and the advice given by your surgeon.
Generally, patients are advised to wear a surgical bra for at least four to six weeks following their surgery. This is to provide support and compression to the surgical area, promoting proper healing and minimizing swelling.
However, it is important to follow your surgeon's specific instructions as they may recommend a longer or shorter duration based on your individual case. It is also important to note that some patients may need to wear a surgical bra for an extended period, such as those who have undergone a revision breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. It is best to consult with your surgeon to determine the appropriate duration for wearing your surgical bra after surgery.