How long do you advise wearing the surgical bra for after having breast implants?

My surgeon told me that I couldn't take my surgical bra off for 2 weeks, so I can't shower. He said that after I get my stitches out I will be allowed to take the bra off for 15 minute intervals to have a shower up to 6 weeks after the surgery. Is it really necessary that I can't take it off at all up to 2 weeks? I'm more than happy to follow my surgeons guidelines as I do want them to be as close to perfect as possible, but wondering if my surgeon is just being extra cautious. Thanks!

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Mar 07, 2019

Every plastic surgeon has their own regimen, and they can vary widely. Generally, after any surgery, it is OK to remove (change) a surgical bandage and start showering gently (no bathing or scrubbing) at 48 hours, so 2 weeks is excessive. Regarding the bra, typically wearing it to help with early comfort and support is standard but there is no reason it cannot be removed and replaced ad lib after the first 48 hours.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

Every plastic surgeon has their own regimen, and they can vary widely. Generally, after any surgery, it is OK to remove (change) a surgical bandage and start showering gently (no bathing or scrubbing) at 48 hours, so 2 weeks is excessive. Regarding the bra, typically wearing it to help with early comfort and support is standard but there is no reason it cannot be removed and replaced ad lib after the first 48 hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Nov 17, 2016

Every surgeon has their own post-breast aug surgery protocol. It is completely reasonable to have a patient wear a surgical bra 24/7 for 2 weeks post-surgery and 6 weeks in total.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

Every surgeon has their own post-breast aug surgery protocol. It is completely reasonable to have a patient wear a surgical bra 24/7 for 2 weeks post-surgery and 6 weeks in total.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Salman Ashruf, MD, FACS

Published on Nov 02, 2016

Wearing the compression bra after surgery is really important as it affects your overall result. While each case is unique, for the most part, I advise wearing the compression bra for 2- 3 weeks. You can check in with your center after the 2-week period. Usually at this time I allow my clients to wear a sports bra. Our center has a network of designers that make custom, made-to-measure garments that are easy for the clients to remove during the initial post-op process, in order to shower, and quickly was the garment. Our patented fabric is remarkable, in that it is composed of 100% breathable fibers that make it very easy to clean. Follow the advice, but check in with the center and see if you can clarify the instructions for post-op care.

Answered by Salman Ashruf, MD, FACS (View Profile)

Wearing the compression bra after surgery is really important as it affects your overall result. While each case is unique, for the most part, I advise wearing the compression bra for 2- 3 weeks. You can check in with your center after the 2-week period. Usually at this time I allow my clients to wear a sports bra. Our center has a network of designers that make custom, made-to-measure garments that are easy for the clients to remove during the initial post-op process, in order to shower, and quickly was the garment. Our patented fabric is remarkable, in that it is composed of 100% breathable fibers that make it very easy to clean. Follow the advice, but check in with the center and see if you can clarify the instructions for post-op care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Oct 26, 2016

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. The question regarding the use of bras is quite common on this website. There is no “standard” when it comes to the use of specific bras or garments after breast surgery. In other words, different plastic surgeons may have different practices when it comes to postoperative dressings/bras. Therefore, best to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon.

In my practice, patients wake up with a surgical bra in place. This surgical bra, although not attractive, is supportive and used for about one month after surgery (some of my patients have been known to burn the bra ASAP). Then, patient's transition to a soft sports bra for about 3 months. Wired bras are used when breast implants have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin. Best wishes

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. The question regarding the use of bras is quite common on this website. There is no “standard” when it comes to the use of specific bras or garments after breast surgery. In other words, different plastic surgeons may have different practices when it comes to postoperative dressings/bras. Therefore, best to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon.

In my practice, patients wake up with a surgical bra in place. This surgical bra, although not attractive, is supportive and used for about one month after surgery (some of my patients have been known to burn the bra ASAP). Then, patient's transition to a soft sports bra for about 3 months. Wired bras are used when breast implants have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin. Best wishes

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert Kearney, MD

Published on Oct 25, 2016

I think you should follow your surgeons reccomendations. You chose him for a reason and maybe he does some special work on the pocket that requires the bra for shaping.

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Answered by Robert Kearney, MD

I think you should follow your surgeons reccomendations. You chose him for a reason and maybe he does some special work on the pocket that requires the bra for shaping.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Oct 25, 2016

Every surgeon is different, all have conflicting post-op instructions. Follow your doctor's orders. However, in our practice, it is only two weeks for the bra and moving your arms from the start. You can shower after the first week.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Every surgeon is different, all have conflicting post-op instructions. Follow your doctor's orders. However, in our practice, it is only two weeks for the bra and moving your arms from the start. You can shower after the first week.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tal T. Roudner, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Oct 25, 2016

Thank you for the question. Every surgeon has a different way of managing their patients. I personally don't have my patient wear a bra for the first 3 weeks after surgery. They can wear a supportive bra with no wire. Then they can wear one with.

However, you should follow your surgeon's instruction as you chose him for a reason. So if you like his results, as I believe you do because you chose him to do your surgery, then do as he says.

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Answered by Tal T. Roudner, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for the question. Every surgeon has a different way of managing their patients. I personally don't have my patient wear a bra for the first 3 weeks after surgery. They can wear a supportive bra with no wire. Then they can wear one with.

However, you should follow your surgeon's instruction as you chose him for a reason. So if you like his results, as I believe you do because you chose him to do your surgery, then do as he says.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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