Best Bras for Breast Implants
After undergoing a breast augmentation or breast lift, upon waking up, you'll find yourself donning a snug surgical compression bra. For at least six weeks, you'll remove it only for showering. This phase is of utmost significance, as stated by Dr. Sophie Bartsich, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. "Breast implants need to form a capsule around themselves to ultimately hold them in position, which typically takes between two and four weeks. If the implant is pushed upward, it won't settle properly. If it's pushed to the side, it will end up too far outward." Hence, it's crucial to find a surgical support bra that holds the implant appropriately and to be conscious of the position of your breasts while sitting, sleeping, and standing.
"[Following that,] your surgeon might suggest transitioning directly from the surgical bra to your regular bras, but I favor a more gradual transition for my patients, with an intermediary stage that promotes healing and provides support," says Dr. Bartsich. Consider an unstructured sports bra, "something that conforms well and stretches easily without rubbing the incisions," or a fitted tank top without a band (bands can irritate stitches and cause problems for implants placed below the muscle).
Dr. Melissa Doft, another board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, advises her patients to steer clear of push-up bras, as they can prevent implants from settling into the correct position. She has discovered that most women prefer form contour bras over those with underwires, but she notes one caveat, "Some women will require their inframammary crease to be lowered to accommodate the desired implant. For these patients, I actually recommend using an underwire bra, as I believe it assists in the proper healing of the implant pocket."
Need a starting point before making a purchase? Here are the six bras that Ruli members love after breast augmentation.
Related: Silicone or Saline? 5 Things to Know About Selecting the Right Breast Implants
Best Bras for Breast Implants
Calvin Klein Underwear Invisibles Wirefree Bra ($44)
This lightly padded, wire-free option with a thick seamless band provides "the ideal amount of compression and support, without feeling overly tight and restrictive," remarks Natalie, 34, who made the switch to it as soon as her surgical bra was removed.
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra ($72)
Generally, underwire bras are suitable to start wearing a few months after the surgery if you enjoy the way they feel, but they can be irritating if your incisions are beneath the breast crease. One Ruli member asserts that this ultra-soft bra is the most comfortable for augmented breasts and creates "lovely, natural lines."
Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra ($65)
"[It's] all I've worn since my BA/BL a year ago," says a Ruli member of this bra, which goes up to cup size DDD and appears perfectly smooth under T-shirts.
Related: The 5 Best Post-Operative Pillows for the Most Uncomfortable Surgeries
Cosabella Soire Confidence Curvy Bralette ($69.50)
"I was sore and sensitive for a much longer time than I anticipated, and this bra was the sole one that felt comfortable in terms of holding me up with wide straps and not rubbing my nipples, which otherwise led to strange sensations," says Grace, 30.
Chantelle Erika Plunging Bra ($69)
After changing from high-profile saline implants to moderate-profile silicone implants, one Ruli user found this plunge bra to offer the best support. It features a foam underwire and is available up to a G cup.
American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Crossback Bra ($14)
Tanya, 29, was recommended this economical bra by her plastic surgeon. "It's what I wore during the transition period after about a week [in my surgical bra], and it was remarkable. I essentially never took it off," she states.
