Compression garments after mammoplasty: how much to wear, how to wear, when to remove, how to wash

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Published: 09/03/2020

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The success of mammoplasty depends not only on the skill of the plastic surgeon, but also on the behavior of the patient during the rehabilitation period. In order to recover faster after surgery, as well as to avoid unpleasant side effects, it is necessary to wear special compression garments for women. In this article, specialists from the Bust Clinic breast surgery center will tell you how to properly put on, wear, and when to remove compression garments after mammoplasty.

Why do you need to wear compression garments?

For the manufacture of special postoperative clothing, modern materials are used that combine high levels of strength, elasticity and hygroscopicity. Wearing compression garments after mammoplasty allows you to fix the breasts and implants in an anatomically correct position, reducing the risk of ptosis, deformation and suture dehiscence. In addition, such fixation can significantly reduce healing time. In order for the underwear to have the desired effect, special knitwear with the addition of elastane is used in its manufacture. This provides the necessary level of stretch and compression. Good underwear does not cause discomfort after mammoplasty; on the contrary, it helps to get rid of discomfort and swelling. Thanks to its composition, it removes moisture well and allows oxygen to pass through, so it does not rub delicate skin and prevents the appearance of bruises. An additional advantage of compression garments made from modern materials is that it can reduce the risk of developing an inflammatory process.

If your skin is itchy and irritated

Violation of the integrity of your breast tissue occurred as a result of “opening” surgical access to the desired area where implants were subsequently installed.

After the sutures are removed or dissolved, the tissue gradually begins to recover.

This process takes on average from 1 to 3 months (the time depends on age, health, metabolism and other individual characteristics of your body).

Early recovery time is usually the first 2 weeks. During tissue healing, various discomforts are possible:

feeling of "tight skin"
swelling of tissue in the scar area,
itching and skin irritation,
pain on palpation associated with the inflammatory process.

Compression garments should be made of hypoallergenic and safe materials that will not cause irritation.

However, when wearing compression garments in the early period of rehabilitation after mammoplasty, similar discomfort is possible.

What to do?

Mild itching and irritation are worth tolerating if these sensations are temporary.
You should not scratch your breasts even through your underwear, you should not take them off and use ointments without consulting a doctor.
If you experience severe discomfort, you should see a surgeon and dermatologist. Don't leave a problem if it constantly bothers you!

The main advantages of wearing compression garments

Fixation of implants in the correct position.
Without proper support during the recovery period, implants may sag, causing asymmetry. In this case, there is often a need for a new surgical intervention. To avoid such consequences, you must constantly wear a supportive compression bra.

Reduces the risk of seams coming apart.

Using compression garments lifts the breast tissue and prevents it from moving. Thanks to this effect, the likelihood of seams coming apart and the appearance of unsightly large scars after plastic surgery is reduced.

Reducing swelling.

A supportive bra massages the tissue. This helps remove excess fluid and reduce swelling after surgery. In addition, blood circulation improves in the surgical area and healing processes are accelerated.

Reducing the load on the spine.

When the breast increases by two or three sizes, the spine begins to experience unusual stress, which can negatively affect its health. Compression garments can help prevent this unpleasant side effect, as well as prepare the muscles and vertebrae for the new weight of the mammary glands.

Protects skin and muscles from re-injury.

After surgery, the breasts become especially sensitive. In some cases, pain may occur even with light touches. Properly selected compression garments help reduce unwanted contact with the sensitive area.

Lipofilling: mammoplasty without rehabilitation

In conclusion, a few words about a new method of breast modeling, after which there is no long and tedious recovery period. We are talking about lipofilling - an operation during which the breast is enlarged by transplanting adipose tissue (a culture of viable adipocytes).

Lipofilling is performed without incisions; the graft is injected into the parenchyma of the gland. There are no scars after lipofilling, just as there are no aesthetic or medical complications associated with the presence of an endoprosthesis. The mammary glands (ducts), nerve bundles, veins and arteries are not injured during lipofilling, thanks to which it is possible to avoid severe swelling, discomfort and pain. Recovery is proceeding quickly and without serious restrictions. You won't have to wear compression stockings.

At the aesthetic medicine clinic Soho Clinic (Moscow), you can get an individual consultation with a plastic surgeon and ask a specialist all your questions regarding breast surgery or other operations.

Varieties

The classification of such underwear depends on the degree of compression.

1st class.

Compression is up to 21 mm Hg. Art. Such products are classified as preventive products: in everyday life they are worn by women with large breasts to reduce the load on their shoulders and back.

2nd grade.

Compression can range from 21 to 32 mmHg. Art. The products look denser and are more difficult to put on. Such underwear is often classified as medical and is prescribed by a doctor.

3rd grade.

Use only as directed by a specialist. Compression can reach up to 46 mmHg. Art. Putting on such underwear is quite difficult, so it is recommended to use special gels that make the process of putting on and taking off easier.

4th grade.

Bras of this type are used extremely rarely. Compression exceeds 46 mmHg. Art., putting them on is very difficult. The appropriate type of product is prescribed after surgery, according to individual indications. Over time, the underwear can be changed, reducing the compression.

What underwear should be excluded after mammoplasty?

No matter how much you would like to return to your usual sets, there are a number of models that cannot be worn in the first six months to a year after surgery. These include: 1. Push-ups. 2. Bras without straps. 3. Underwire bras. Such models interfere with healing and constantly injure incisions and sutures. If you follow all these rules, healing will happen very quickly, and you will get just perfect breasts that others will admire.

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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.

↑ How long to wear it

After augmentation mammoplasty with the installation of implants, the patient should adhere to the following terms of wearing shapewear:

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.

Restrictions for the rehabilitation period

In the first month after mammoplasty, the patient is contraindicated in any physical activity. In addition, there are a number of restrictions that must be observed to avoid unpleasant side effects:

It is recommended to sleep only on your back;
You should not visit the solarium, swimming pool, saunas;
Lifting heavy objects is strictly prohibited.

Gradually it will be possible to change it to thick sports tops, and a push-up bra can be worn after 3 months.

Useful video

Watch this video about how to properly wear compression garments after mammoplasty:

Product care rules

Since the patient will wear special pressure garments for at least two months after surgery, it is necessary to study all recommendations for caring for the product in advance. Ideally, you should purchase several bras per shift: this will allow you to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. How to wash compression garments so that they retain all their properties? This must be done manually, at least twice a week. The optimal washing temperature is 30 degrees, with the addition of hypoallergenic baby powder or gel without fragrances or additional aggressive substances. There are also specialized products that are designed specifically for washing compression products. They can be bought in pharmacies or ordered from online stores. After the laundry has been washed, it should be shaken and laid to dry in a horizontal position.

↑ 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.

↑ 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 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.

When can you take off your underwear after mammoplasty and put on regular clothes?

In most cases, experts recommend starting to wear your usual underwear after mammoplasty.

in a month - this is if the stitches heal quickly and the shape of the breast is successfully formed.
Otherwise, you should wait a couple more months - this will avoid displacement of the implants and pain. If everything is fine and you want to wear beautiful lace lingerie a month after mammoplasty
, then you should consider some points:

The bra should fit tightly, and the breasts should not dangle in it;
The straps should be wide enough and elastic;
The base of the bra should fit the body elastically;
When choosing underwear with underwires after surgery, keep in mind that they should fit exactly on the crease of your chest.

In addition, you cannot wear push-ups, busts with straps or without wires - this will lead to breast deformation and the need for repeated surgery. Don’t forget about the stabilization tape - it is simply necessary for reliable fixation of the implant within a month after

operations. If necessary, it can be easily unhooked or cut off - in this case, compression underwear can easily turn into everyday wear. If you want to look at photos and reviews about underwear after mammoplasty, what other women choose, then you can easily find this information on this site. How long to wear depends on your condition, doctor’s recommendations and the speed of rehabilitation.

If you follow all these tips, then a stunning result awaits you - the recovery period will take a minimum of time, after which you will be able to amaze others with your ideal breast shape in regular underwear and even more without underwear.

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.

What underwear should you wear after having a breast implant installed?

There are several types of underwear that you need to wear after installing a breast implant:

special bra or top;
depending on the scale of the intervention, it can be replaced with a corset or a T-shirt;
stockings.

All types of underwear are compression.

Top after breast surgery

A compression top after breast plastic surgery should be:

with wide straps;
stabilizing strap that secures the bust in the upper part;
Convenient clasp located at the front.

It is also important to select it in size and with the desired degree of compression, based on the doctor’s recommendations . Must not be:

rough seams on the inside, leaving abrasions and dents on the body;
an excess of natural fibers in the material, as this will lead to rapid stretching of the underwear and weakening of the compression;
too open a style, in which the mammary glands are not completely fixed, but only, for example, their lower part.

Top after breast surgery

Special T-shirts after breast augmentation surgery

Special tank tops used after breast augmentation surgery are essentially the same tops or compression bras. They can differ only in the area of body coverage. The purpose of wearing a tank top is compression, so it should also be made of a special material. Regular, albeit elastic, high-quality sportswear cannot replace it.

Why stockings after mammoplasty?

Compression stockings must be worn after mammoplasty surgery to avoid thrombosis and thromboembolism. These conditions can arise due to the intervention itself, since blood vessels are injured during it. The body reacts to this by increasing the production of substances that increase blood clotting and reduce the speed of its flow. Hence the formation of clots that can clog the duct of the vessel.

The same is possible if air enters a vein. Stockings help speed up blood flow, relieve fluid stagnation, and with them the plastic surgeon’s patient is not at risk of thrombosis. They should be worn 6-7 hours a day.

Why bandage underwear after mammoplasty?

Bandage underwear is worn after mammoplasty only on the chest area and legs. It has already been said why it is needed: comfort, more correct position of the implants, rapid healing of injured tissues. In this case, a similar device for the abdominal area is not needed.

Watch this video about what underwear to wear after mammoplasty:

Why you shouldn’t give up compression garments

Some patients prefer to take off special underwear early, considering it too uncomfortable and unsightly. However, such a decision can provoke a number of side effects: in some cases, repeated surgery will be required.

Complications may be as follows:

skin stretching, loss of elasticity;
seam divergence;
slowing down regeneration processes;
painful sensations;
increased load on the spine and shoulders;
formation of wide scars;
breast deformation due to displacement of implants.

Therefore, if you want to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result, you should follow the rules of breast care after mammoplasty.

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.