It’s generally not necessary to wear a sports bra to bed after a breast augmentation. However, you should always follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions, as they may have provided specific direction regarding the type of bra you should wear when you sleep.
Typically, the bra you were wearing on the day of surgery is the one you should sleep in for the first week or two. After that, your doctor may suggest a specific bra for sleep or may advise that no bra is necessary.
Many women find that wearing a bra to bed even after the healing process is complete can help keep the augmented breasts in place, firmly and comfortably, while they sleep. If you decide to do so, wearing a loose-fitting cotton bra can help reduce irritation and cause less friction on the skin while you sleep.
Ultimately, you should always respect the instructions given to you by your doctor and wear whatever they suggest is best for you.
Table of Contents
How long does it take for breast implants to settle into place?
On average, it takes around 3 – 6 months for the breasts to settle after having breast implants. This is due to the body’s normal healing process and the tissue around the implants takes time to stretch and heal.
The time it takes for the breasts to settle can vary from person to person and also depends on the type of implant used, as well as the surgical technique used. It is important to be patient and to follow up with your plastic surgeon for advice during this period of healing.
In the first months after surgery, the implants may appear to be too high, slightly uneven, and too close together, but these issues should resolve in time with the body performing the necessary adjustments.
During this time, wearing properly fitting bras may help soften the transition process.
How should you sleep with breast implants?
It is important to remember that you should not lie on your front for at least a few weeks after having a breast augmentation surgery. When you lie on your back, make sure to use a pillow beneath your upper back, neck and head to ensure that your breasts remain elevated.
When sleeping, you should also support your back and shoulders with pillows. Sleeping with a small pillow positioned between both implanted breasts provides additional support and comfort.
In addition, using a firmly supportive bra during the day and night can help provide extra comfort and maintain the shape of your breasts. You may want to wear a soft cotton sports bra when you sleep, while also sleeping with a pillow beneath your breasts or between them.
It is also important to remember that you should avoid strenuous activities such as physical exercise, lifting heavy objects and rigorous house cleaning during the first few weeks of your recovery. You will gradually be able to resume your usual activities over time.
Always listen to your doctor’s recommendations and pay heed to how you feel. You will know what you can handle best.
What kind of bra should I wear with implants?
The best type of bra to wear with implants is one that provides maximum comfort and support. Look for bras with wider straps and full coverage cups to help evenly distribute the weight of the implants.
Make sure the cups fit properly, as too loose or too tight of a fit may cause discomfort or irritation. It is also a good idea to look for bras with adjustable straps and additional clasps in the back to provide extra support and reduce slippage.
It is also important to choose a bra style that helps you feel confident and secure. Consider bras with gel padding, molded cups, and side support panels to help keep your implants in place and give you good coverage.
Lastly, choose bras made with soft fabrics that are breathable and can help reduce skin irritation.
Why do my breast implants hurt when I sleep?
Common causes include: inflammation or irritation of the tissue surrounding your implants, improper positioning of the implants, or the implant size being too large.
Inflammation or irritation of the tissues surrounding your implants can happen when the body is healing after surgery. The body is effectively ‘recovering’ by using its own natural processes to ensure that the implants remain in place and stable.
This can be aggravated by your sleeping posture, especially if you are lying on your stomach, as this can put more pressure onto the implants and cause discomfort.
Improper positioning of the implants can also lead to pain or discomfort when sleeping. If your implants have been placed too close to the chest wall, this can cause pressure on the breasts, especially if you are lying down, and may lead to pain.
Finally, if the implant size is too big for your chest, this can cause stretching of the tissue and cause pain. Additionally, as the implants are relatively heavy, this can also pull on chest muscles which can lead to discomfort when sleeping.
To prevent your implants from causing you pain when you sleep, be sure to speak to your doctor and ensure that the implants have been properly positioned and are the right size for you. Consider using a comfortable sleeping position such as sleeping on your back or side and make sure to wear a supportive bra.
Taking anti-inflammatory medication or using a cold compress can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Can I wear a sports bra instead of surgical bra?
Whether or not you can wear a sports bra instead of a surgical bra after a surgical procedure depends on your specific needs and advice from your doctor. Generally speaking, surgical bras are designed to provide greater level of compression, extra support and security for those recovering from a medical procedure.
Therefore, opting for a sports bra instead of a conventional bra does not always provide sufficient amount of protection to the chest and may not be suitable for your needs. However, many doctors may advise wearing a compression sports bra instead of a surgical bra if the procedure was minor in nature and if there is no need for a high level of support.
It is always best to consult your doctor prior to making any decisions regarding the kind of bra to wear during recovery period.
How tight should my post surgery bra be?
It is important to make sure that your post surgery bra fits comfortably and securely. The proper fit varies depending on the type of surgery you underwent. In general, bras after surgery should not be too tight, but also not too loose.
If your bra is too tight it may cause discomfort, while a bra that is too loose may not provide adequate support.
To ensure that your post surgery bra fits properly, it should fit snugly around the rib cage and be comfortable enough that you can take deep breaths without discomfort. The band should not be so tight that it cuts into the skin or causes any of the stitches to become loose or to pull.
The straps should fit firmly, but not so tight as to cause discomfort. Finally, for extra support and stability, the bra should fit securely across the back and should sit on the ribcage without riding up.
If you are having difficulty finding the correct bra size or fit after surgery, consult with your doctor or a post-operative fitting specialist. This individual can help you determine the best size and type of post surgical bra to ensure maximum support and comfort.
How long after breast augmentation can I sleep flat on my back?
Typically, you should wait two weeks before you can sleep flat on your back after breast augmentation. During this time, it is important to sleep on your side and/or stomach to ensure proper healing and reduce discomfort.
The healing process takes different amounts of time for different individuals, so it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. This applies to general sleep positions, as well as activities that put pressure on your chest such as yoga, weight lifting, and jogging.
If you have any questions, you should always reach out to your doctor and follow their advice. After two weeks, you should be able to sleep comfortably on your back.
Can you massage your breasts too much after breast augmentation?
The short answer is that you should avoid massaging your breasts too much after undergoing a breast augmentation. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding breast massage, particularly in the early stages of recovery, to minimize the risk of scarring and other complications.
In the first few weeks after surgery, your surgeon may ask you to massage your breasts to maintain the shape of the breast implants. This helps to break up the formation of scar tissue which can cause the breasts to harden, a condition known as capsular contracture.
If massage is recommended, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to massage the breasts.
In general, you should avoid massaging your breasts too frequently or too aggressively as this can potentially cause scarring later on. Too much massage can also damage the sensitive breast tissue. Strong force, kneading, and pinching should all be avoided.
Ultimately, it is important to discuss any massage questions with your surgeon. They can provide the best advice for how best to care for your breasts after breast augmentation.
