When Can I Wear A Bra After Breast Augmentation?
A couple of the most asked questions about breast augmentation recovery are, “When Can I Wear A Bra After Breast Augmentation?” or, “What kind of bra can I wear after surgery?” In the earlier days of breast augmentations, surgeons required patients to wear thick gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra to combat swelling and support the breasts as they heal. These wraps and bandages proved to be cumbersome, and in some cases, caused patients even more discomfort.
At Capizzi MD, we use specific techniques prior, during, and after surgery to provide what we call: “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery.” This is something Dr. Capizzi has developed over 20 years. You’ll notice other surgeons have longer recovery timelines than ours. This is fine too! It is simply the difference in experience and skill. When we perform these techniques, our patients notice less swelling and pain, which means they are back to their normal routines sooner.
At Capizzi MD, we begin preparing patients for recovery at the pre-operative appointment. This is where you’ll receive your pre-op bag, which contains everything you will need pre- and post-surgery. It includes:
- Arnika Forte – speed the healing with this all natural supplement designed to ease swelling and bruising
- Antimicrobial wash – prep your body for surgery by getting rid of any germs and products (also prevents infection!)
- Biocorneum – advanced silicone scar gel to reduce redness, texture, and protect incision scars from harmful UV rays
- Capizzi MD Enhance & Smooth Breast moisturizer – supports healthy collagen production and brightens for even tone and texture
- Coobie bralette
When choosing a cosmetic surgeon, there are many factors to consider: Is he/she board certified? Are they well-trained in the procedures they perform? Do you like their aesthetic sense/before and after photos? A successful procedure will make you feel more like yourself and give you greater confidence for the years to come – and post-operative care makes up a large part of that success.
Immediately After Surgery: You can wear a stretchy bralette
We will give you a Coobie bralette to wear after your breast augmentation. This is a soft and stretchy bralette that will provide comfortable, minimal support should you desire it. It is completely optional and we do not require our patients to wear anything after surgery if you do not want to. We do not recommend purchasing any special “wraps” or bindings to apply to your breasts after surgery. No crazy contraptions, just comfort!
Our main priority is to allow your implants to settle into place and for the swelling to subside. It’s normal to experience a little discomfort immediately after surgery – this is your body’s natural reaction to the procedure. Your body sends excess blood to your breasts to promote their healing, which results in excess fluid building up in surrounding tissues and causing them to swell as well. The Coobie bralette supports the proper placement of your implants and can ease the recovery process by accelerating healing, minimizing swelling, and reducing the risk of infection.
Click here to visit our Breast Augmentation FAQ
You put a lot of time and effort into finding a world-class cosmetic surgeon, and we want to make sure you receive top-notch care, products, and resources. Coobies are designed with premium skin-friendly materials. Many stretchy, elastic garments break down and wear out over time – but not Coobie! We find that these bras provide the ultimate post-surgical comfort, should you desire it. This super-soft seamless bra fits YOUR body with like-second-skin comfort and elasticity that doesn’t quit. An additional benefit: if the Coobie feels a little too snug immediately after surgery, you can remove the padding.
The soft, cushiony fabric of the Coobie bra is gentle on your skin, making it perfect for your recovery. This is also important for healing your incisions! You will wake up after surgery with tape and bandages covering your incisions. This is to protect the area and allow the healing process to begin. The tape will be removed at your first follow up and you may start applying the silicone scar gel (Biocorneum) provided in your pre-op bag.
This advanced scar treatment creates an invisible shield that feels like a second skin and helps reduce redness and discoloration, soften and flatten scars, AND includes SPF to protect the sensitive area from the sun. Apply the silky gel to clean skin, seal it in with your super-soft seamless Coobie, and voila! You’re on the fast track to recovery.
4 weeks after surgery: You may begin wearing underwire bras/swimsuits
If you even want to! Once all of the swelling has subsided it is safe for you to wear an underwire bra again. A benefit of breast augmentation is that your breasts have been improved in size and shape, and they should not need the lift or padding that you once preferred.
Here is a general outline of recommended restrictions and timeline for getting back to your full EVERYDAY routines:
- Day of: Walking around the house is encouraged for circulation.
- 2 days after: You can begin driving and going back to work if you work in an office or other low-impact profession. You may also lift up to 5 pounds (no working out, but lifting things as needed is acceptable).
- 2 weeks: You may begin swimming again, or go on vacation out of state (if you are coming from out of town we modify this one for you so you can return home ASAP and continue care with virtual check-ins). You may also do yoga.
- 4 weeks: You may begin running again and engaging in intimacy with a partner. You may also begin lifting more than 5 pounds and lifting workouts (work up gradually).
- 6 weeks: You will be back to all parts of your normal routine, workouts, and life at this point!
How you feel after surgery and the level of care you need in the first few days varies from patient to patient, but you can breathe easy in the hands of our expert surgical team. Dr. Capizzi’s status as a double board-certified surgeon guarantees his expertise in the operating room, but it doesn’t end there! This added level of care is what draws patients not only from Charlotte, NC but also from the entire region to Capizzi MD. What he possesses in skill and experience is equally balanced with a rare human warmth and commitment to his clients’ happiness with their results.
A profound desire to help people achieve their dreams is what drives Dr. Capizzi to leave no stone unturned when it comes to the planning stage of each procedure – including recovery. A consultation with Dr. Capizzi will reveal a wealth of understanding and eagerness to listen. Curious about arranging your consultation with Dr. Capizzi? Request your consultation by clicking the “Schedule a Consultation” button above or calling our office at 704-655-8988.