How long should you wear and when can you remove compression garments after mammoplasty: how to do it correctly

What is compression garments after mammoplasty?

Compression underwear is a type of underwear that is made from a special elastic and durable material that can fix the soft tissue of the mammary gland. It is often used to prevent various diseases after operations. Wearing such products makes it possible to significantly reduce the recovery period after surgery.

To make this type of product, most manufacturers use special knitwear. It should contain a high percentage of elastane. The latter provides the necessary level of stretching of the product and at the same time reliable compression. This makes wearing compression products very comfortable.

Since the product is in close contact with the human skin, the fabric contains natural and synthetic fibers that can quickly absorb sweat, reliably retain heat, and avoid static. More modern compression products also have antibacterial protection, which is especially important for women after surgery. You can read about contour plastic surgery here.

Depending on the degree of fixation (compression), compression products are divided into separate classes:

First grade. It has relatively weak compression - up to 21 mm Hg. Art. That is why it can be used for preventive purposes; a woman can independently select products of this class.
Second class. The compression force can reach up to 32 mmHg. Art. Products of this type are tighter and more difficult to put on than the first ones, but they are those that have an average degree of compression.
Third class. Used on the recommendation of a doctor. It has a more than average degree of compression - up to 46 mm Hg. Art. It is difficult to put on the body, and therefore it is appropriate to use special gels and creams that will make the process of putting it on and taking it off easier. Often third class compression products contain special laces and fasteners that make them easier to use.
Fourth grade . A product of this class provides the strongest possible compression – more than 46 mm Hg. Art. This type of knitwear is difficult to put on by yourself. It is used exclusively in individual cases.

What kind of compression garments a woman should wear after mammoplasty is determined solely by the doctor. During the rehabilitation process, the classes of recommended underwear may decrease.

Video of compression garments after mammoplasty:

How long should you wear compression garments?

The doctor will definitely tell you how long you will have to wear such underwear. The standard deadlines are:

4 weeks of wearing special underwear providing compression around the clock;
another 4 weeks of daily wear if regeneration is successful.

This means that there should be several sets of special clothing. After all, it is better to change it every day. At the same time, you need to wash it carefully, by hand. After two months of compression, the doctor will examine the breasts and make further recommendations.

When do you take off compression garments, you ask? The doctor decides this, depending on the patient’s age, the condition of her tissues and the speed of healing. A complete transition to regular underwear is possible after a year from the date of surgery. During this period, it is recommended to refrain from wearing bras:

strapless;
with narrow straps (especially after augmentation mammoplasty);
push up.

The latter type elegantly emphasizes the bust, but the breasts are in an unnatural position. This is not very good for the operated tissues.

What should you wear it for?

You need to wear compression garments after mammoplasty, first of all, in order to keep the mammary glands in their new place. During the first time after surgery, the breasts will gravitate to their previous location.

Special underwear can prevent seams from stretching. Without it, scars turn from thin and unnoticeable into wide and clearly noticeable, and are unlikely to disappear on their own.

In addition, special underwear must be worn due to some of its other functions:

Due to its strong fixation, a special bra is able to reliably hold the mammary gland at a height . This allows a woman to get a good breast shape in the future.
Constant breast massage. Thanks to this function, it is possible to quickly overcome soft tissue swelling. Fluid is removed from sensitive breasts after surgery faster, blood flow and lymph flow are significantly improved, and the wound healing process is, accordingly, smoother.
Control over the location of implants. Without these hosiery products, artificial parts can quickly fall below the level of the nipple. This effect is undesirable and unaesthetic, so surgery has to be performed again. Such knitwear prevents such a negative phenomenon.
Eliminates seam divergence . This is especially important when a woman begins an active life immediately after surgery.
Relieves stress from the spine and neck. This supporting function is especially valuable when a woman increases her breast size not by 1, but by 2 or more sizes. The muscles, ribs, and spine need to get used to the sudden increase in mammary glands gradually. Without this knitwear, women often experience migraines, back pain, and a feeling of heaviness under the ribs.
Protects soft tissues from injury . After surgery, the breasts are especially sensitive. Even the simplest stroking on it becomes painful and unpleasant. A protective bra will protect the mammary glands from unnecessary contact.

In the video, how long should you wear compression garments after mammoplasty:

Of course, in addition to special ones, compression should also perform the usual functions of lingerie, in particular, making the breasts not so noticeable under clothes.

↑ Secrets of a successful purchase

Size is one of the most important selection criteria: if you miss the parameters even a little, problems cannot be avoided. Underwear that is too tight will interfere with blood circulation and impair the healing process. Knitwear that does not provide adequate support will not fulfill its purpose - the likelihood of displacement of the endoprosthesis and the appearance of asymmetry of the glands will increase.

There are other criteria that need to be taken into account, taking into account the fact that underwear will have to be worn for a long time without taking it off:

Corset cups - they are selected in such a way that they completely cover the mammary glands, which should not protrude beyond the edges of the underwear. Too loose ones are also not allowed, otherwise the fixation will be insufficient.
The base of the product - the wider it is, the better. To determine the size, take into account the volume under the bust. This part of the bandage should fit tightly, but not too tightly, around the body. Plastic surgeons compare the ideal degree of pressure to the force with which a young man squeezes the hand of his girlfriend on a first date.
Straps – make sure they do not put pressure on your shoulders. It is better to give preference to adjustable straps and, if necessary, change their length.
The underwear is made of polyamide and elastane, which provide compression properties. But in places of contact with the skin there should be natural materials that prevent irritation. This fabric allows the body to breathe, actively absorbs sweat and prevents diaper rash and irritation.
The seams located inside can chafe and cause discomfort when worn. Choose underwear with external seams, but they should not be too voluminous so that they are not noticeable under clothes.

Sergeev Ilya Vyacheslavovich Plastic surgeon, Candidate of Medical Sciences, leading specialist in breast plastic surgery at the DoctorPlastic clinic

To understand that the pressure is correct - not too strong and not too weak - you can compare it to the way a young man holds a girl’s hand on a first date: confidently, but quite gently. This is exactly how compression garments are supposed to “work.” It’s difficult to miss the size too much - almost all models have several rows of fasteners, so the tightness of the linen can always be adjusted by tightening it a little tighter or, conversely, loosening it.

↑ How to wear?

Medical stockings are worn upon completion of the operation. The first time this is done by a doctor, who fixes the new breast in the correct position. Then the woman will have to master all the manipulations herself. Main recommendations:

Hands should be inserted into the straps one at a time, without lifting them up.
Before fastening your bra, it is important to carefully straighten the cups and glands themselves so that not a single wrinkle remains.
Lastly, the fixing tape is fixed - it should be located as high as possible and strictly parallel to the floor. Be sure to ensure that the bar is not skewed, otherwise this will lead to displacement of the implant.

Regardless of the type of plastic surgery, the patient must adhere to the following rules for wearing a tightening bandage:

For the first week, it is worn constantly, removed only to treat the stitches. Even unfastening your bra is not recommended.
If the rehabilitation period proceeds well, in the 2nd week, underwear can be removed for 2-3 hours a day, for example, during hygiene procedures. At the same time, it is important for this period to exclude any loads on the upper part of the spine, sudden movements, or bending.
From the 2nd month it is allowed to wear it only during the daytime; at night you can sleep without a corset.
After a 7-8 week recovery period, if there are no complications, doctors recommend wearing shapewear only while playing sports. With your doctor's permission, you can start wearing regular bras. But they also have certain requirements: wide straps and base, comfortable supportive cups, no push-up effect.

Sergeev Ilya Vyacheslavovich Plastic surgeon, Candidate of Medical Sciences, leading specialist in breast plastic surgery at the DoctorPlastic clinic

For the first week, it is advisable to wear underwear without taking off. After about a week, you can give yourself a break and walk for 2-3 hours without compression - but at the same time avoid active physical activity. In general, I recommend that my patients wear their underwear within 1 month.

↑ How to care for compression hosiery?

For the first 7-8 days, it is prohibited to remove the bandage - there is no talk of any care for underwear during this time. Then it needs to be washed regularly. But since the product takes a long time to dry, and the break in wearing should not exceed 3-4 hours, it is advisable to buy 2-3 models.

When caring for shaping bras, consider the following nuances:

The water temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees.
The use of a washing machine is prohibited, including the delicate cycle.
To remove dirt, it is advisable to use mild detergents, such as shampoo. Conditioners and bleaches are excluded.
When wringing, avoid strong twisting, otherwise the laundry may become deformed. Allow excess water to drain, then wrap in a towel and blot gently.
Knitwear should be dried on a horizontal surface, out of direct sunlight.

During the cool season, products can be washed 1-2 times a week. In summer - every day.

↑ What happens if you break the rules

Ignoring the doctor’s recommendations for wearing compression garments after breast surgery, its irregular use or unsuccessful selection can lead to dire consequences:

Stretching of breast tissue, loss of elasticity.
Increased healing period, sloppy scar, high risk of suture dehiscence.
Severe discomfort, increased pain.
The likelihood of implant migration, deformation of one or both mammary glands.

The consequences can be so severe that they will have to be corrected with a repeat operation. Therefore, it is important to clearly determine the size of the underwear and wear it, following all the surgeon’s recommendations.

How to choose a corset

The corset after mammoplasty should be selected in accordance with the compression class determined by the doctor. In addition, it is very important that it remains:

comfortable and as convenient as possible for the woman herself;
loose enough to allow air to pass through, but not to squeeze tissues or blood vessels;
hypoallergenic so as not to cause irritation and itching;
invisible to others. What is better: plasma lifting or biorevitalization can be found out in this article.

When choosing a bra for her own use, a woman needs to pay attention to some other nuances:

Fabric structure . Mammologists advise choosing products that are mostly made of natural fibers. Thus, sweat will be absorbed easily, the skin itself will be provided with air, and the greenhouse effect will be eliminated. It is good if the bra contains a large percentage of elastane. Thanks to him, knitwear will be able to perform all its functions as successfully as possible.
Size. A woman should definitely take into account the new volume of her breasts, but she should not buy too loose bras. In this case, they will not be able to perform their main function, and the breasts will fall out of the cup that is too loose. It is important that both the volume of the cup and the length of the straps meet the needs and do not pinch the fabric.
Textile feel . The use of compression should bring relief to a woman, so it is imperative to pay attention to the softness of the fabric and the accuracy of its implementation. The nipples should not be rubbed or irritated. It is important that the bra does not contain any irritating elements.
Appearance . Despite the fact that such a bra performs a therapeutic function, it, like all other elements of a woman’s wardrobe, must be neat, beautiful from the outside, and successfully hide the nipples.

A reliable compression bra, which is used after breast surgery, must have a special tape on top. It also has special fasteners. Such a strap should cover the upper fields of the mammary gland and provide a more secure fixation. During the first 3 weeks after surgery, it is prohibited to unfasten the top band.

It can be difficult for a woman to choose the most suitable underwear on her own. In such cases, a plastic surgeon comes to the rescue. The complexity of postoperative recovery and the expected result are taken into account. The same surgeon can advise on non-surgical and filler rhinoplasty.

Criteria for choosing a compression bra

You, of course, ask how to choose the right bra? You need to pay attention to several criteria:

fabric structure;
bodice sizes;
its volume and appearance;
sensations when touched.

The fabric should be elastic and at least partially natural. Natural fibers minimize the risk of developing allergies when worn constantly, elastane will create a compression effect.

In terms of size and volume, underwear should fit the body well, clearly follow its contours, so as to remain invisible under clothing, without complicating breathing. The bodice should provide good support to the breasts without interfering with normal blood flow in this area. The material should be pleasant to the skin. The version of the bodice is selected by the operating surgeon, depending on the scope of the intervention.

How much should you use after breast augmentation surgery?

A woman cannot decide on her own how long to wear compression garments and when to change them to another option. The decision on this matter should be made only by the surgeon who performed the operation, as well as for other operations, be it correction of the wings of the nose or rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose. In this case, the woman’s age, the volume of her new breasts, the condition of the body, the complexity of restoration and the quality of the soft tissues are taken into account. As a rule, the older the patient, the more difficult the scar healing process is, so she has to wear compression garments longer.

In the traditional standard version, every woman after mammoplasty should use compression garments for at least a month. In this case, you can remove the support bra only under the supervision of a doctor or nurse who is performing dressings or examining postoperative scars. To avoid having to go under the knife again, a woman must follow all the recommendations of the plastic surgeon to limit physical activity on the upper body and arms. It is not recommended to make sudden movements, remove bra straps or unfasten it.

Starting from the second month, the doctor may allow the woman to do without compression garments at night (when the body position prevents sagging of the mammary glands). In more successful situations, from the second month it is allowed to use underwear with a lower compression class. Underwear with a strong hold, meanwhile, remains necessary when playing sports or doing some physically demanding work.

You should not switch to using regular underwear immediately, but gradually. In most cases, doctors allow it about a year after breast augmentation. Sometimes you need to wear compression garments for 1.5-2 years. At the same time, the bra, which is put on for the first time after compression garments, must also be quite strong and reliable. Doctors have special requirements for this detail.

How will special underwear help after surgery?

Why do doctors recommend special underwear to patients after breast surgery? There are several reasons:

with a significant increase in bust volume, it supports heavy breasts and removes part of the unusual load from the spinal column and shoulder girdle;
One of the functions of special underwear, very important for women, is to fix the implant and prevent it from moving and turning. When the endoprosthesis is seriously displaced under the influence of gravity, the breast appears more voluminous in the lower part, which is characteristic of an aging bust. This effect does not suit any patient;
Its next function is highly respected by surgeons. Thanks to elastane, the tissues in the operated area are maintained at the desired level, the correct contours of the breast are formed, post-operative scars remain narrow (do not stretch), and the seams do not come apart. Actually, it is mainly for these reasons that you need to wear compression garments;
Wearing special underwear reduces the risk of chest injury and the sensitivity of damaged tissue to touch. This helps reduce pain after mammoplasty;
compression allows to improve the outflow of lymph and blood from the operated area. This reduces the severity of swelling and speeds up the healing process.

With this we would like to say goodbye to you, dear readers. We hope our article helped you understand why you need to wear special underwear after mammoplasty, and how long you need to do it. Share new information with friends and visit our website. We prepare new interesting articles for you every day.

Why wear a tape after mammoplasty?

It is mandatory to wear a tape after mammoplasty for the following reasons:

it prevents the endoprostheses from moving, giving the breast an anatomically natural, symmetrical position,
with the help of compression, the mammary glands receive a massage that helps remove excess fluid, that is, relieve swelling, more rapid fusion of blood vessels, muscles, skin,
it relieves severe pain that would otherwise occur with every movement,
does not allow the skin to stretch too much, that is, it helps scars to heal faster and become less noticeable,
it protects soft tissues from damage,
with its help, the muscles of the neck, back and spine more easily get used to the new load.

Ultimately, the tape promotes faster recovery and formation of the most aesthetic bust shape.

What types of bras can be worn after surgery?

After your doctor allows you to get rid of compression garments, you will need to choose the right bra for every day. Here you should also adhere to several important recommendations.

Straps.

It is better to avoid models with thin straps: they do not provide adequate support and can cause shoulder pain. It is best to choose products with wide and soft straps that will support your breasts in a comfortable position.

Cup.

It should be dense and deep, chosen according to the size of the chest. A good cup does not squeeze the breasts or make them bulge in the armpits. It is best to choose products made from thick fabric that provide maximum support. In this case, the cup should be monolithic, without additional seams that can put pressure and rub the scars.

Frame.

It is better to opt for options with a wide frame that will tightly cover the entire body. Choose models made from dense natural fabrics, without decorative inserts.

Bones.

In the first months after switching to regular underwear, it is better to avoid models with underwires: they will compress the breasts and can injure the scars remaining at the stitches. After rehabilitation is completely completed, you can choose underwear of this type. However, please note that the underwires should follow the shape of the breasts, so when choosing a bra, pay attention not only to aesthetics, but also to comfort.

Frequently asked questions about wearing special underwear after breast correction

Patients who have undergone surgical breast correction often ask the most common questions about how to use and care for special underwear. Below are answers to the most pressing questions.

How to wear underwear without Velcro?

You should not tighten your chest tightly; it is important to ensure comfort and convenience while wearing it. It is necessary to monitor your breathing, if breathing is uncomfortable, you should loosen your bra

Rules for caring for linen

Proper care is a must. Washing is necessary, but this should be done carefully, for example, by hand or using gentle machine wash cycles. When washing, do not use products with a strong odor. It is recommended to use powders and gels intended for washing children's clothing.

How long after mammoplasty can you go without a bra?

You can add a bra to the category of unnecessary items three months after the invasive procedure. But to prevent complications and negative consequences, it is necessary to undergo an examination and obtain advice from a specialist conducting observation.

How long after mammoplasty can I wear a bra?

You will need to put on a bra two to three days after surgery. This must be done before removing the dressings. The need for the measure lies in the fact that the material with a compression effect will help prevent displacement of the implants and provide good breast support. As for regular underwear, this should be done a month after completion of the invasive intervention, upon receipt of approval from the attending physician.

It is important that the bra matches the new size of the mammary glands

What not to do after mammoplasty: 10 principles of successful rehabilitation

During the recovery period it is strictly forbidden to:

drink alcohol;
smoke;
sleep on your stomach for the first four to six weeks;
be sexually active;
play sports, light physical activity is acceptable, such as walking;
visit a solarium or be in direct sunlight;
visit a sauna, bathhouse, expose the chest area to heat;
use skin care products not recommended by a specialist;
do homework for the first fourteen days.

It is important to give up regular underwear and opt for special corrective underwear.

Breast soreness

How it happens.

In the first days after surgery, the sensations can hardly be called pleasant. But this should not be scary: any surgical intervention is accompanied by pain and discomfort. Painkillers prescribed by your doctor will help you cope with them.

And following a few rules promotes tissue healing and, as a result, relieves pain:

Avoid physical activity on your arms, shoulders, and chest muscles, which will slow down the recovery of operated tissues.
Avoid taking hot showers or baths, which increase blood flow to the chest and increase pain.
Maintain the room temperature at 20–22 °C to prevent increased sweating and irritation of the seams.

It is important to know.

Pain in the left and right breasts may be different: on one side the pain may be felt more strongly than on the other. This may be due to the more developed muscles on the right in right-handers and on the left in left-handers - the better developed the muscles, the more actively they respond to surgical intervention.

How to wear a bandage correctly after mammoplasty

The correct way to wear a breast band after mammoplasty is as follows:

in the first 4 weeks it must be on the body almost constantly; the device is removed for washing in the shower and treating stitches,
do not make sudden movements, do not raise your arms high, even after the pain has subsided,
later, wear the device only during the day,
Always monitor the position of the bust and tighten the bandage, taking into account the gradual reduction of breast swelling.

Helpful tips for shortening the recovery period after mammoplasty

To shorten the recovery period, it is recommended to listen to tips that will simplify life and prevent complications:

It is important to refuse to do even the simplest homework. Violation of this rule can lead to displacement of the prostheses and divergence of the seams.
For rapid tissue healing, it is important to regularly treat the sutures with drugs that stimulate regenerative processes. It is necessary to use medications that promote tissue renewal, which will help prevent the formation of scar tissue.
To eliminate unpleasant sensations, for example, tightness and dryness in the seam area, you can use special baby oil.
It is recommended to follow a diet excluding spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, and coffee. You need to eat food containing the right amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, lean meat, greens, cereals, dairy and lactic acid products. This measure will help speed up the healing process.

Correction of the mammary glands by lifting or installing prostheses is positioned as a safe procedure that is easily tolerated and rarely leads to complications. But to get positive results, it is important to contact a specialist with experience and follow the rule of the recovery period.

How to choose the right one

During mammoplasty, the correct compression garments are prescribed by a specialist. It determines the required degree of compression, as well as the optimal composition of the product: it should not cause allergic reactions or discomfort, and not pinch muscles and blood vessels. In addition, for some patients, the appearance of the compression garment is an important factor. Now there are many models of such products that not only meet all quality and safety requirements, but also look aesthetically pleasing. When choosing underwear, you should pay attention to the presence of a special tape that provides additional fixation, convenience of straps and fasteners. A properly selected compression bra does not cause discomfort and ensures the correct position of the breast after the procedure. Bustclinic specialists will definitely tell you how to choose the right model.

Swelling of the mammary glands

How it happens.

Swelling is another natural consequence of any surgery. It usually becomes most noticeable on days 3–4. Gradually, if you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, swelling will decrease. But at first they can cause concern, distorting the shape or size of the breast. A month after mammoplasty, swelling almost completely disappears or remains at a level where it does not cause any concern. And only from this moment can a preliminary (but not final!) assessment of the results of the operation be made.

It is important to know.

To make swelling disappear faster, you can adjust your diet. Exclude from it foods with a high salt content, which contributes to the retention of excess fluid in the tissues. This advice applies not only to the “obvious” salt - added to home-cooked dishes, but also to the “hidden” salt, which is included in canned vegetables, sausages, industrial sauces, etc. In addition, it is recommended to sleep on a high pillow so that your head, the neck and shoulders were completely on her. This will ease the flow of fluid from the upper body and help relieve swelling.

Rules for caring for linen

Since a compression bra becomes a constant companion for at least 2 months, it cannot be the only one. After surgery, when the skin remains injured and the breast tissue is vulnerable to infection, hygiene is of particular importance. And the linen must be absolutely clean, almost sterile. To do this, you need to fulfill 2 conditions:

Have at least a couple of bras. After all, in summer, when it’s hot, underwear should be changed daily, and in winter, 1 or 3 times a week.

It is better to wash it by hand, carefully, without twisting it too much when spinning. This will make it easier to maintain the shape of the bra, its compression properties, and color.

Usually there is information on the care instructions on the laundry tag. But if you throw it into the car, even on delicate mode, you need to soon prepare to buy a new set.

In addition, when they ask how to wash compression garments after mammoplasty, they also have in mind a suitable product. The powder or soap should be as gentle as possible on the skin and hypoallergenic. Warm water should be poured into the basin. After washing, you need to dry your bra in the air, and not on a heating pipe, to avoid deformation.

How to put on and take off compression garments correctly

Immediately after the operation, the surgeon applies a special pressure bandage. Your doctor will then help you put on your bra. When you can perform this procedure yourself, you should follow several rules. Before putting on underwear, you need to straighten the base of the corset and the straps and make sure there are no folds. You should not make sudden movements with your hands, so as not to provoke divergence of the seams. If after mammoplasty the stitches cause noticeable discomfort, it is better to ask for help. In the first few weeks, you should not remove the support bra yourself: this is done by a doctor to examine the stitches. Your doctor will also determine how long to wear compression garments.