After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will be sore and tender. It is important to support the breasts correctly as the natural tissues get used to the new implants. Your surgeon will likely recommend that you wear a surgical bra following surgery. Though guidelines vary, expect to wear this bra for about a week.
After this time, many surgeons recommend wearing a sports bra for two to six weeks after surgery. Some patients transition directly to the sports bra, skipping the surgical bra. A sports bra provides extra support for the breasts, while avoiding wires, stays, and other devices that may irritate the breasts. In addition, most patients find sports bras to be the most comfortable to wear as they recover from surgery. You may wish to wear a sports bra with a front clasp, as this will be easier to remove.
Don't forget to buy a sports bra that is a little larger than your pre-operative size to account for the new implants. You may need to purchase several styles to find one that fits correctly after surgery. Keep in mind that your breast tissue will be swollen immediately following surgery, and may require a slightly larger size than you will wear once your breasts have healed.
Although many breast augmentation patients are eager to go bra shopping to show off their new cleavage, the extra support provided by a sports bra is important during the recovery phase. After this period of wearing a sports bra, you can start wearing a regular bra, although many surgeons recommend avoiding underwire bras for three to six months after surgery.
