When planning a breast augmentation, many don’t think about the healing process, which is a very fundamental stage in the recovery journey and for the best outcomes.
Whether it is breast reduction, lift, enlargement, or breast surgery, it is necessary to wear a compression bra for the optimal outcome. Surgeons will always talk to you about wearing a compression bra regularly and give you instructions on how to do it. Compression bras are garnets with strong synthetic fabrics that put needed pressure on the breast for better support.
Learn more about the importance of wearing a compression bra after breast augmentation, how long you should wear them, how to choose the best compression bra, the best compression bra brands, and what happens if you fail to wear it.
Importance of Wearing a Compression Bra
Offers support
A compression bra offers support to the natural breast tissues as they heal by applying pressure to the breasts. After surgery, the tissues are altered, and they must get the necessary support. A compression bra will also prevent the implants on your breasts from moving out of their pockets immediately after surgery; that way, get the best results.
Reduce Pain and Swelling
A compression bra increases blood flow by evenly putting pressure on the breast. By doing so, the bra will prevent bruises and reduce pain. More so, it will prevent the accumulation of fluids since it absorbs accumulating fluids by putting needed pressure. Without the bra, swelling is likely to happen much longer than needed.
Protect Healing Parts and Speed the Healing Process
A compression bra protects you from irritation of the incisions underneath your breast. Since the bra doesn’t have an underwire, it will protect the incision and won’t irritate them, unlike a normal bra.
This, in turn, will quicken the recovery process since the patient will be comfortable, and there will be no swelling.
Increase Comfort
A compression bra has features that make it more comfortable. It is comfortable, soft and easy to adjust, take off and put on. They have a front zipper to avoid twisting them, which might irritate the incision. Some also have drainage tubes in case the patient needs them.
Enhances the Outcome
Wearing a compression bra makes you feel comfortable and gives you the support you need during the healing process. It helps your skin fit into its new contour more easily and ensures the incision heals, which is fundamental for the best results. Some patients have reported that the bra helps with posture and easy movement afterwards. Thus, it is necessary to choose the best compression bra.
How to Choose the Best Compression Bra after Breast Augmentation
- Compression bras have a great impact on the healing of your breast augmentation. However, if you don’t wear the right compression bra, it will impact your healing process negatively. Here are tips to help you choose the best compression bra;
- Measuring correctly. Different brands have different instructions on measuring yourself to know your size. So first, you must identify the brand you want to use. Later in this article, you will learn some of the best compression bra brands. Use traditional tape and follow the guidelines. Also, if you are confused, consulting exports might help avoid mistakes.
- The compression bra should not be tight or loose when trying it on. It should feel snug and supportive.
- The straps of the bra should be secure enough to support you. Often, you will find that they are adjustable. Make sure they don’t dig into your shoulders.
- The bra’s fabric should be soft since comfort is key in healing. The breast should be settled for them to recover well. The fabric eases pain and swelling, which encourages the proper flow of blood and the best outcomes.
- Lastly, be mindful of the cup area of the bra. They should accommodate the breasts without being loose. The idea of the compression bra is to support, make you feel comfortable and quicken the recovery. The breast should fit in the bra without flowing out, which reduces the chance of fluid spillage, which might cause bruising.
How Long Should You Wear a Compression Bra?
Compression bras should be worn immediately after a breast augmentation. Doctors will advise you on the time frame to wear your compression bra. Typically, most patients wear a compression bra for two weeks immediately after the surgery. Experts will advise you to wear the bra all the time for the first two to three weeks and only take it off when taking a shower. This depends on your healing process; if you are healing faster, you might take it out sooner than someone healing slowly.
The more you wear the compression bra in the first days of healing, the likelihood you will heal faster. However, you can take it off to wash it whenever you want but return it immediately.
More so, patients who have done breast augmentation confirm that wearing a compression bra at night helps you sleep comfortably and heal your incision fast. It also protects your scars as you sleep.
After the first weeks, the doctor might advise you to switch to a compression sports bra that doesn’t have an underwire to avoid irritating the incision. The sports bra should be worn every time, except when you are showering.
What Happens if You Don’t Wear a Compression Bra after Breast Augmentation?
If you choose not to wear a compression bra for the recommended time, it may negatively affect your healing process and health at large. The following are consequences of not wearing a compression bra after breast augmentation:
- Lymphedema
This is a chronic immune disease that causes the body tissues to swell excessively after a breast augmentation. The lymph nodes under the arm may be blocked or damaged. This may lead to this condition, causing swelling in that area and other body parts. Damaged lymph causes the fluids to accumulate in tissues. - Buying a good compression bra exacts pressure evenly, which allows blood to circulate through the chest and arms.
- Increased Chances of Infection
Compression bra helps reduce the chances of infection since it helps manage wound care and effectively keeps the incision clean, avoiding introducing bacteria. As said earlier, some compression bras have drain tubes that help drain fluid. They also have supportive straps that help remove, adjust and wear easier. - Healing Slowly
When you stop wearing a compression bra before the said time, it slows down your healing process. The bra helps increase blood flow, which allows the flow of nutrients and protein to the area, which speeds up healing. Also, it will reduce swelling by evenly putting pressure on the area. - Displacement of the Breast Implant
Wearing a compression bra helps the best stay in position, not move out of the pocket, and go under the armpits or higher on the chest. The best bra should have a belt that applies pressure across the upper part and on the breast. Also, wearing it at night helps not damage the implant.
The Best Post-Surgical Bras
- TrueLife Mastectomy Breast Prosthesis and Bras
are a comfortable, durable, and affordable solution for women recovering from a mastectomy. - American Breast Care Breast Forms and Bras
are made of the highest quality materials and are completely customizable to provide maximum comfort. - Anita Rosa Faia Mastectomy Bras and Breast Forms
give perfect support and they are the best fit. They are made of soft cotton, microfiber prosthesis pocket, or micro modal.
For inquiries, please email our office at [email protected], and we will send a quick reply will be sent about your condition. If you require a personal consultation that requires an appointment, please call the office today at 416-782-5353.