Recommended Bras After Breast Surgery
If you’ve recently had breast augmentation surgery or know you’ll be undergoing surgery in the future, then making sure you care for yourself post-op is important. Not only will you feel varying degrees of discomfort if you don’t give your breasts the right level of support, but the speed and extent of your recovery may be negatively impacted. Therefore, it’s crucial you wear a bra that can offer support to allow the healing process to be as complication-free as possible.
Many women in the UK undergo breast augmentation surgery. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), in 2016-17, 8,238 women underwent breast augmentation. Breast augmentation (also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty) is the process by which breast implants are surgically placed under breast tissue to make them larger. Each woman’s decision to have this procedure is unique to them – there’s no right or wrong reason!
Whilst you may think that wearing a bra will be sore after having surgery, going braless is not recommended. Surgeons will usually give you a full account of the surgical process and what you can do post-op to ensure you take care of yourself. One of the things they will advise you on is the types of bras you should wear. Whilst there aren’t any specific types of post-surgery bra – unless you’re advised by your surgeon or nurse to wear one they've recommended– it’s advised by the NHS that you wear sports bras after surgery, and some surgeons may tell you to wear a sports bra 24 hours a day for up to 3 months after surgery.
Breast Cancer Care also provides a useful list of criteria for the types of bras it’s best to wear after surgery; we think these are just as important to consider after breast augmentation surgery, as swelling may also occur. Your bras should have:
- Soft materials
- Front fastening for ease of wearing
- No underwires
- A wide underband
- Fully adjustable straps
- Minimal detailing
Within the first 1-2 weeks following your surgery, you will be able to resume normal day-to-day activities, and your stitches will be removed during this time. After 6 weeks you should be able to do a full exercise routine, but it’s sensible to check with a medical professional if you’re not sure.
We’ve put together a list of 5 bras that will be ideal bosom buddies for when you need to recover from surgery – these bras have been selected for their material, level of support, and features such as being front fastening.
Sports bras to wear after breast surgery
Sportjock D3 Sports Bra
This bra is designed for ladies who are a DD through to G cup. The D3 is designed for high impact activities, meaning that even though you’ll be abstaining from vigorous exercising, you know you’ll be fully supported throughout your recovery.
This bra is made from soft material akin to cotton – Supplex – and it also has the elasticity and fit of Lycra. It has a zip fastening at the front, making it easy to get on.
Enell Sports Bra
This bra has fans such as Oprah Winfrey and was rated best sports bra for DD+ from Runners World.
It has a wide elastic brand and a motion control neckline. Its straps are non-stretch, and they distribute weight to reduce shoulder fatigue. It also has hook and eye closures at the front
Pure Lime Support Sports Bra
This bra has moulded cups, giving each breast support (thus preventing a ‘uniboob’) and is made from a Tactel Aquator fabric, which will keep you dry and cool. It also has padded shoulder straps.
Whilst this is the only bra in our selection that doesn’t fasten at the front, it’s still a great choice as you'll be able to carry out your day-to-day activities whilst being fully supported.
Anita Frontline Open Sports Bra
As well as providing maximum support, this bra also has front fastening hook and eye closures. The cups are also seamlessly pre-shaped, ensuring comfort and support. The straps are fully adjustable with Velcro-type fasteners.
One thing to note about this bra, is that the cups can come up big, so we suggest buying a cup size down to make sure you get the right fit.
Not sure what bra size you are? Head over to our Fitting Guide!
Still not sure? Ask a specialist or an experienced bra fitter.