November 14, 2017

Finding the Best Bra for Breast Implants: Bra Shopping After Augmentation (Updated 2024)

After your breast augmentation surgery, you will certainly want to buy some new bras to complement your new breasts. However, I advise my breast augmentation patients to hold off on that shopping spree at least for a few months post-surgery. In this post, I’ll talk about finding the best bra for your breast implants, from what to wear while you’re recovering to beyond.

The Best Bras for Healing

In the 4 to 6 weeks following surgery, I advise my patients to wear a supportive, soft-cup sports bra. While it may not be the most attractive bra to wear, it is going to provide the support necessary during this critical healing stage. (Review this blog post for more recovery information.)

Wearing a traditional or underwire bra during this stage could damage the muscles or the incisions, so it’s best to stick to the soft sports bra.

When Can I Wear a Normal Bra After Breast Augmentation?

At the 1-month follow-up consultation, I check in on how my patients are healing—and if all is going well, I will give them the go-ahead to begin shopping for new bras. Keep in mind that this may differ if you combine your breast augmentation with a breast lift.

Even once you have the go-ahead, this is still not the time to spend your entire bra budget. It can take up to 3 months post-operation for the implants to fully settle—a process sometimes called “dropping and fluffing.” Until then, the safest choice is to purchase a couple of traditional bras to wear before the 3-month mark.

The before-and-after photos below show our patients’ results once their breasts have settled fully.

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Breast Augmentation

Tips for Shopping for Your New Post-Breast Augmentation Bras

1. Wait 3 Months

When the 3-month mark finally rolls around, you can head out on that bra shopping spree knowing you should be ready for a new bra wardrobe. I recommend getting fitted for a bra at a local lingerie boutique that can help you understand the signs of a well-fitted bra.

2. Focus on Fit, Not Cup Size

Most importantly, don’t stress over the cup size. You may have asked for a certain cup size prior to your surgery, but when it comes to bras, sizing is at the discretion of the manufacturers. Learning about what a properly fitted bra feels like, rather than simply what cup size it is, will benefit your bra shopping experience. With that in mind, I suggest shopping in person for your new bras whenever possible. Shopping online may seem more convenient, but the ability to try on the bras will ensure you get the right bra for your new breasts every time.

3. Enjoy Yourself

And finally, the most important part of bra shopping after your breast augmentation: Have fun! You’ve patiently waited for the day when you could finally go bra shopping, so now is the time to splurge a little. Buy yourself that expensive bra you want and enjoy your new confidence!

Leave us a comment to share your best advice for bra shopping after a breast augmentation.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, request a personal consultation  using our online form or by calling (770) 421-1242 . We encourage you to browse our  before-and-after gallery  to see more real results.

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In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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