How Long to Wear the Support Bra After Breast Reduction

Large breasts can have uncomfortable side effects. Women with large breasts report suffering from chronic back, shoulder, or neck pain, nerve pain, and even skin irritation under the breasts. Large breasts can also interfere with everyday activities such as sleeping or taking part in sports.

Breast reduction surgery is the solution that can end this discomfort. It can give you a new lease on life, more freedom, and help your self-image. A skilled plastic surgeon can reduce your breast size to be more proportional to the rest of your body.

However, to speed up your recovery, you need to wear a post-op support bra after breast reduction surgery. Learn what you can expect after surgery and the importance of wearing supportive garments to promote healing and prevent complications.

What to Expect After Surgery

Like any other kind of surgery, you can expect general soreness, limited upper body mobility, and swelling. However, you can reduce this discomfort and your recovery time with careful post-op aftercare practices.

For early post-surgery days, you’ll need a specially designed compression bra. This bra is designed to be worn day and night, providing round-the-clock support and allowing the breast tissue to recover without excessive movement.

A specially designed surgical bra reduces overall healing time by encouraging healthy blood circulation and minimizing certain risks that accompany breast surgery, such as swelling, bruising, infection, and the risk of incisions reopening.

Unlike standard underwire bras, compression bras do not have wires, dye, intricate trim, or embellishments like lace. They’re constructed from stretch fabric that provides targeted pressure to critical areas around the chest and under the arms.

Compression bras provide consistent pressure across the chest area, which helps reduce swelling and bruising by preventing fluid buildup in the breast tissue. This gentle pressure also promotes better blood circulation, aiding faster healing and reducing the risk of complications. They offer essential support and stabilization to the surgical site, minimizing movement and discomfort, and helping prevent incisions from reopening.

Additionally, compression bras can reduce the risk of infection by keeping the area secure and less exposed. They help maintain the new shape of your breasts, ensuring you get the final results and contour you want. A compression bra can also improve your comfort with features like soft, breathable fabrics and adjustable closures.

The AMOENA Leyla Surgical Mastectomy Bra is specifically made for breast reduction surgery. Its seamless, high-quality construction allows easy access, minimizes skin irritation, and provides optimal support for a speedy recovery. It features a zip front closure for easy dressing and access to surgical sites to monitor healing.

Making Progress: How Long Should You Wear Your Post-Op Bra

You’ll need to wear a bra 24 hours a day for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Once you’ve completed the initial healing phase, you can start wearing a regular bra; however, avoid wearing underwire bras that irritate the breast tissue and slow your healing.

Aside from specifically designed compression garments, sports bras are also naturally suited to post-operative care. Many sports bra models aren’t underwired; they offer premium support and stabilization and frequently include easy-access front fastening closures, making them ideal for breast reduction recovery time.

If you want a sports bra that will encourage healing and give you the support you need, the ANITA Firm Support Sports Bra is an excellent choice. Made from breathable cotton microfibre, it offers maximum comfort with its light, silky, soft, and easy-care fabric. Seamless, molded cups provide excellent support following breast reduction surgery, reducing the upward and downward movement of sensitive breast tissue.

This sports bra features a convenient front fastener, making dressing and undressing quick and easy. The fully adjustable comfort straps, equipped with a Velcro-type fastener, ensure a perfect fit and extra comfort during recovery.

Exploring Your Options

Mastectomyshop.com offers a full range of functional and beautiful clothing to wear after breast reduction surgery. Ensure you have everything you need for your breast reduction by exploring our range online, or contact us using our online form to learn more about our products.

FAQs

When can I wear a normal bra after breast reduction?

You’ll wear a post-op bra for about 2 to 6 weeks. During this time, it’s best to wear it day and night to help reduce swelling.

However, most people won’t wear an underwire bra until around 12 weeks after the procedure, once the swelling has fully subsided. Everyone heals differently, so following your surgeon’s advice is vital for the best results.

What do I wear after breast reduction surgery?

After breast reduction surgery, you should wear a post-op bra or a supportive sports bra without an underwire to support healing and reduce swelling.

Also choose loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Look for garments with front closures, like a button-down shirt, to avoid lifting your arms and shoulders, which may be tender for up to a week after surgery.

How can I reduce swelling after my breast reduction?

To reduce swelling after your breast reduction surgery, follow these tips:

• Wear a compression garment. As directed by your surgeon, use a post-op bra or vest to move lymph fluid away from the surgical site to help minimize swelling.
• Stay elevated. Keep your upper body elevated on a pillow while resting or sleeping to reduce fluid buildup.
• Apply cold compresses. Use cold packs on the surgical area for 15-20 minutes at a time, especially in the first 48 hours.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help flush out your system and reduce swelling.
• Avoid salt. Reduce your sodium intake to prevent fluid retention.
• Follow activity guidelines. As instructed by your surgeon, avoid strenuous activities like bending and heavy lifting to prevent increased swelling.
• Take prescribed medications. Use any anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers as directed by your doctor.

When can I drive after breast reduction surgery?

You can typically start driving 1 to 2 weeks after breast reduction surgery once you’re off prescription pain medication and can move comfortably. To ensure that the seatbelt does not cause discomfort across your chest, use a small pillow between your chest and the seatbelt to reduce pressure.

How soon can I exercise after breast reduction surgery?

You can start light walking and lower body exercises a few days after breast reduction surgery. Avoid rigorous pectoral exercises for at least four weeks and heavy weights or vigorous cardio for 4 to 6 weeks. Overexertion can cause incisions to separate or bleed, risking scarring. Wear a quality sports bra for support once your surgeon clears you for exercise.