Breast Augmentation: How to Shop for the Best Bra for Your Breast Implants

Many women are excited to go bra shopping after their breast augmentation. My patients tell me that trying on new lingerie is one of the things they look forward to most. However, if you’re like most people, you have some questions about buying bras after surgery.

How long do you wait before buying new clothes? And how do you determine your new cup size? As a plastic surgeon, I hear these questions (and many more) from my own breast augmentation patients. This post should provide the helpful tips you need to make the most of bra shopping after surgery.

1. Take Time to Properly Heal

“When can I wear a normal, underwire bra after breast augmentation?” This is a common question after breast augmentation surgery. Keep in mind that breast augmentation is a surgery just like any other, and it requires adequate recovery time. The average healing period lasts between 3 and 6 weeks. During this time, you’ll be wearing only your support bandages and soft, stretchy surgical bras. Swelling is common and expected.

Your true bra size can’t be determined until this post-operation swelling goes down. Wear a supportive sports bra when you first remove your bandages and only move to push-up bras or underwire after your doctor gives you the green light.

2. Get a Professional Fitting

Many women—even those who haven’t had surgery—could benefit from a professional bra fitting. According to some statistics, up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. As breast implants change the size and shape of your breasts, professional assistance can be a very helpful place to begin your shopping experience. 

In addition to discovering your new proper size, a professional can recommend styles that work best for your new body shape. You want to make sure your bras are comfortable and supportive, as well as pretty.

The before and after pictures below show how dramatically breast implants change the size and shape of the breasts and illustrate why it’s so important to have professional fitting after augmentation:

3. Look for a Variety of Bras

While you’ll likely want to show off your new curves with the help of a spectacular bra, you’ll also need some good, supportive everyday bras. Try many different bra styles and choose the ones you think will best fit your lifestyle. Most women do well with a few shape-enhancing bras for special occasions, a couple of good sports bras, and several comfy bras for daily use. Most bra experts recommend you have 7 to 11 bras so you can rotate them daily and wash them every 2 or 3 uses.

4. Enjoy New Styles, but Don’t Go Overboard

Buying new lingerie after breast augmentation is one of the things you’re probably really looking forward to. It’s exciting to treat yourself to new styles that you perhaps weren’t able to enjoy beforehand.

While new cuts and colors can be great, also be aware that your breast augmentation recovery is a journey. Your breasts may still be slightly shifting and changing as your implants fully settle. Avoid buying any pricey items until about 6 months post-surgery. This will help guarantee your new pieces will fit for years to come.

Bra shopping after breast augmentation is a very exciting time. While it’s important to be mindful, also be sure to enjoy yourself and have fun with the process.

To see more of the results our breast augmentation patients enjoy, browse our before and after photos.

If you have any other questions about breast augmentation, feel free to ask our experienced staff. Request a one-on-one consultation online or call the practice at (480) 466-7355.