The Benefits of a Surgical Bra after Breast Augmentation
After breast augmentation surgery, your body needs time to heal and adjust to its new form. While basic steps such as proper diet and rest can help improve your overall recovery, a major factor in the results of your augmentation is the use of a surgical compression bra.
The benefits of a surgical bra range from reducing health risks to improving the final results of your augmentation. For our patients in the Washington, D.C., area who have recently undergone breast surgery or are considering it, we offer the following advantages of wearing this post-surgical garment.
What Is a Surgical Bra?
Most cosmetic surgery treatments benefit from the use of an elastic compression garment during recovery. This is especially true for body contouring and breast augmentation procedures. By holding the area of surgery in place as it heals, a compression garment can keep incisions closed, prevent health complications, and decrease side effects early in recovery.
Unlike a regular bra, a surgical compression bra is firmer, tighter fitting, and provides more support. It also contains no underwire, which would have the potential to irritate swollen tissue, especially in patients whose incision was located under the breast.
Benefits of Wearing a Surgical Bra
The advantages of a post-surgical compression garment are vast, and surgical bras are no exception. By wearing your bra during recovery, you can benefit both medically and cosmetically:
- Reduced side effects: Although swelling and bruising are likely to occur after any breast augmentation, these side effects can be reduced through the early use of a surgical bra.
- Less chance of infection: Bandages are held in place, while the breasts themselves are protected from outside bacteria. Although any surgery carries a risk of infection, patients who take proper care of their bodies and incisions greatly decrease this risk.
- Increased circulation: By compressing the area and reducing swelling, circulation is increased, in turn promoting healing and lowering health risks.
- Reduced fluid build-up: One possible complication of surgery is the accumulation of fluid near incisions. A surgical bra facilitates the passage of fluid beneath the skin, thus reducing the risk of such complications as seromas or hematomas.
- Increased healing: Consistent pressure near the surgical incisions helps accelerate healing and reduce scarring. The chances of developing keloid or hypertrophic scars, which are generally more noticeable, are also reduced.
- Skin conforming: A surgical bra encourages skin to conform over a breast’s new shape and size, promoting evenness and decreasing the chance of skin abnormalities.
- Improved comfort: Pain is lessened as the breasts are held firmly in place, keeping them from moving or being irritated.
Patients who wear a surgical bra after breast augmentation tend to experience quicker recovery times, allowing them to return to daily activities. While some patients may be tempted to use a traditional sports bra, the lack of additional padding and support may not be optimal for everyone. Consult your doctor before deciding which type of bra will best suit your body.
Want to Learn More?
Breast augmentation can enhance a woman’s natural curves, providing a life-long boost to satisfaction and confidence. With Dr. Rassael’s skill and experience, you can expect an augmentation procedure that is both safe and effective. To learn more about this treatment and its recovery, contact our office and schedule a consultation.