Dos and Don’ts of Bra Shopping after Breast Augmentation

by Allison Goodlin
One of the things women most look forward to after breast augmentation surgery is getting brand new, stylish bras to show off their enhanced figure. Many dream of a trip to their favorite lingerie store to pick up the latest fashionable looks. Bra shopping after breast augmentation is an exciting time; here are some tips from Dr. Nina S. Naidu, a New York plastic surgeon, to help make your bra shopping a success.

Bra Shopping after Breast Augmentation Dos

Wear the Right Bra at the Right Time ~ While fancy lace undergarments might start calling your name soon after your bandages are removed; wait until you have your doctor’s approval before you start wearing a regular bra. A support bra may be needed for several days after surgery. Additionally you may need to avoid underwire bras for a period of time. Listen to your doctor and give your breasts time to heal properly. Dr. Naidu suggests that often women can start wearing a soft, non-underwire bra the day after surgery if desired.

Get Fitted ~ For the best bra fit, get professionally sized and fitted. You may have discussed a desired bra size with your surgeon, but that doesn’t mean this is the exact size you’ll actually end up with after surgery. Getting measured will help you have the right size bra to show off the results of your surgery. You may need to be professionally fitted a couple of times in the months following surgery as your implants settle.

Try on Different Styles ~ Breast implants change the way your breasts look and feel. The bra styles that you loved before surgery might not flatter your new breasts. Try on different styles and see what works best for your new look.

Bra Shopping after Breast Augmentation Don’ts

Don’t Buy All Your Bras at Once ~ It can be tempting go out and pick up a whole new lingerie wardrobe at once after breast augmentation, but it is wise to wait. Your breast size and shape will continue to change for up to 6 months after surgery. Buy a new bra or two and then wait and see how your size changes. Don’t waste hundreds of dollars on bras that you won’t be able to wear in a few months’ time.

Don’t Rush Shopping ~ Bra shopping isn’t something you can squeeze into a spare 10 minutes. Plan your first post-augmentation shopping trip for a time when you can really focus. You’ll want to try on a variety of different bra types and styles. Don’t just analyze how you look with your clothes off; you’ll also want bras that flatter under clothing. You’ll probably need a variety of styles and types for the best fit under tanks, t-shirts, strapless pieces, and sweaters.

Don’t Be Surprised if Your Size isn’t What You Expect ~ Before breast Dr. Naidu works closely with each patient to determine desired breast size and shape. Many patients will tell her a specific size they’d like to be (38C for example). This information is then used to select implants, but does not necessarily reflect the final size of a patient after surgery. Dr. Naidu reminds women that, “Bra cup sizes are not standardized. I can’t guarantee a specific bra size when performing surgery. Work with your surgeon to determine the size and shape of breasts you want, but don’t worry so much about the numbers. The overall look you achieve after surgery is what actually matters.”

Bra shopping after breast augmentation is an exciting time. Be patient, try new things, and embrace your new body!