What Kind of Bra Is Best for Breast Implants? Tips for Post-Augmentation Shopping

One of the perks breast augmentation patients at my plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles enjoy is the confidence they feel wearing clothes, workout gear, and bathing suits that they avoided before their procedure. This newfound confidence also inspires shopping for sexier and more fashionable bras. But before you hit the shops, it’s important to know what kind of bra is best for breast implants.

What Types of Bras Should You Wear After Augmentation?

When it comes to wearing bras after getting breast implants, you’ll need to consider both your short-term recovery needs and your long-term results. My signature rapid recovery approach means that my patients can wear their own soft bras within the first couple of days after their procedure, as opposed to weeks of special surgical bras.

After breast implant surgery, it’s important to choose bras that provide support while allowing for proper healing. The best options are soft, wireless bras that are comfortable and provide gentle compression without restricting movement. Sports bras, particularly those with adjustable straps and a stretchy, snug fit, are often best in the first few weeks. That’s because they help reduce swelling and provide support for the implants while minimizing unnecessary pressure on the chest.

While it is OK to go braless occasionally, you’ll want to make sure that you are giving your breasts the support they need during the crucial early stages of recovery.

How and When To Shop for Bras After Implants

To help you plan for post-breast enhancement bra shopping, I’ve compiled some tips that all breast augmentation patients should know.

Use these tips as a guideline and, most importantly, enjoy your new curves:

• Be patient: During the initial month or 2 after surgery, you can expect some residual swelling, which will make it virtually impossible to determine your new bra size. Wait at least 6 weeks before even thinking about buying new bras.
• Get a professional fitting: Many women, whether they have breast implants or not, wear ill-fitting bras. Determining your bra size shouldn’t be guesswork, especially after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. A professional fitter has the expertise not only to identify the ideal bra size for you but also to provide recommendations about styles that will highlight your body’s new shape.
• Wait even a bit more before buying really expensive bras: Even after you’ve healed and the residual swelling is gone, your breasts continue changing as the implants “drop and fluff” into their final position. Buying a nice bra or 2 is fine, but don’t splurge until about 6 months have passed.
• Be adventurous: Once it’s time to celebrate your new breasts, don’t settle for the same old, same old. Explore the types of bras you’ve always avoided in the past. Try different styles and fashions and appreciate the feel of bras that fit just right.
• Donate your old bras: As women know, bras can be expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy quality items. A number of organizations accept lightly used bras that other women can wear. Start by looking in Southern California for a group, or check out The Bra Recyclers, which has donated nearly 2 million gently used bras to more than 100 local, national, and international organizations.

Start Your Journey

The decision to get breast implants is exciting, and it’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellent results. If you’re considering breast augmentation and looking for a plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles, you can contact us using the online form or give us a call at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment. It’s also helpful to view our before-and-after photos featuring our actual patients to get an idea of the types of results you can expect.