Many types of breast surgeries, such as breast augmentation, reduction or reconstruction, will require patients to wear a compression bra. After wearing a compression bra for the instructed length of time, you will then need to gradually return to wearing a regular bra.
Whether you want to learn more about wearing a compression bra after breast surgery or returning to wearing regular bras after your breast procedure, we’ll outline the key facts in this blog.
During your consultation for your specific breast procedure, you will be able to discuss the details of your recovery, including if you will need to wear a compression bra, and how long for.
If you want personalised advice, based on your individual procedure and needs, contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Andrew Broadhurst in Brisbane.
What is a compression bra?
A compression bra is a specialised garment that helps to minimise swelling, offer support, provide comfort and promote healing during recovery.
By compressing the breasts against the chest wall, these bras help to reduce strain on ligaments and tissues, supporting comfort levels after surgery. The compression can also help to support the skin to contract during recovery, preventing loose or excess skin. Compression garments can also provide stability for breast implants, improve blood circulation and ensure sufficient lymph drainage.
A compression bra provides specialised, firm support and compression to the breasts. Unlike regular bras, compression bras are made to minimise movement and bounce, making them ideal for recovery and slowly resuming exercise after breast surgery.
Compression bras are made with firm, stretchy fabrics, and adjustable straps. Sometimes, they’re also made with cups or padding for support, though their main focus is typically on providing compression.
There are different types of compression bras available. The type of bra that you will need to wear will depend on the type of procedure you have had, the extent of the procedure and other factors that can vary from person to person.
What types of breast surgery will require a compression bra?
A common example of a breast surgery that will require a compression bra during recovery is a breast augmentation, designed to increase breast size or adjust breast shape with implants. A breast augmentation commonly requires patients to wear a compression bra, to aid in healing and support the augmented breasts. After this procedure, a compression garment applies pressure to reduce swelling and stabilise the implants.
Similarly, those who undergo breast reduction surgery, which involves removing excess breast tissue to reduce breast size, are often required to wear a compression bra. By minimising swelling and providing support to the breasts, the compression bra helps to promote healing through even pressure distribution after a reduction.
A compression bra may also be required after a mastectomy and reconstruction, where a breast is removed and reconstructed with a breast implant. The procedure is similar to breast augmentation, which commonly requires a compression bra to support healing.
If your particular type of breast surgery will require you to wear a bra after surgery, you will receive personalised instructions and advice during your consultation.
How long will I need to wear a compression bra for?
The length of time that you’ll need to wear a compression bra after your breast surgery will depend on your type of procedure, and the speed of your healing.
Surgeons often advise wearing the bra continuously for the first few weeks after surgery. As your recovery progresses, you can typically wear it less. For example, you may then only need to wear it during the day for a few weeks to months, specifically during strenuous activities or when additional support is needed.
Your surgeon will always provide you with detailed instructions, outlining how long you will need to wear the bra for.
How soon can I return to wearing a normal bra after my breast surgery?
Deciding when to transition from a compression bra to regular bras will depend on factors such as the extent of your surgery, your personal comfort levels and your healing progress. Your surgeon will need to personally advise you on when you can begin to wear regular bras again.
The transition to a normal bra will need to be gradual, as healing progresses and swelling decreases. It typically occurs over weeks to months, depending on how well your body is recovering and your surgeon’s personalised recommendations.
The timing of returning to a normal bra depends on the type of breast surgery. Most of the time, transitioning occurs once the breasts have sufficiently healed and settled into their new size and shape.
Ultimately, the decision to switch to a normal bra is based on your own individual circumstances, comfort, ensuring adequate support and avoiding discomfort during recovery.
Receive personalised advice during your consultation for breast surgery with Dr Broadhurst in Brisbane
Wearing a compression bra and transitioning to wearing a normal bra will ultimately depend on your individual situation. You’ll essentially need personalised advice from an experienced breast surgeon.
To discuss the details of your breast surgery and your recovery period, including whether or not you will need to wear a compression bra, you will need a consultation with Dr Broadhurst.
Dr Broadhurst is an experienced breast surgeon in Brisbane, who can guide you through your recovery process after your breast surgery and answer any additional questions you may have about your procedure. Contact our team to schedule your consultation.
