Post-Breast Augmentation Bra: Keys to Choosing the Right One
Updated on • Reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo, plastic surgeon
After breast augmentation , we're eager to go shopping for new bras to replace the old ones and enjoy our new figure. Hold on! Before you hit the shops, there are a few key things to keep in mind to choose the right bra. We'll tell you all about them!
To see how the surgery is performed step by step, with cases and price (from €6.400), visit the breast augmentation technique with implants.
If you want to see how your breasts would look , here are real cases sorted by breast type and a simulation of the consultation next to the result.
What is the postoperative bra like?
It's a high-quality Lycra bra with adjustable straps , no internal seams, and a well-shaped cup . It's wire-free and unpadded to provide support that won't deform the breasts or implants during the first few weeks . The hooks can be placed in the front or back . However, we recommend front hooks for greater ease of fastening and unfastening.
The post-operative bra should be the correct size for the patient's bust measurement . To calculate the size, measure the patient's bust measurement and add 15. This will give you the French bra size. For example, if a patient has a 75cm bust measurement, adding 15 gives a French bra size of 90. It is important to take the measurement correctly. Place the measuring tape under the breasts and measure the circumference. Depending on the final breast size after the augmentation, choose a B or C cup.
The first bra isn't purchased: we provide it during your consultation. It's a post-operative orthopedic bra from the brand Crisvi, made in Madrid , and it's essential to bring it to the hospital on the day of surgery—you must leave it on your bed in your room when the orderly comes to take you to the operating room. Its function isn't purely cosmetic: it supports the implant while the pocket heals and, above all, protects the inframammary fold , which we've reconstructed with sutures, acting as an internal bra.
That bra should be worn day and night for the first few weeks, as we advise during your follow-up appointment. After that, for everyday wear, the key is simple: a good underband—that's what provides real support, not the straps—no underwire for the first few months, and wait until your breasts have settled before buying a new size, because volume and shape change during the first six weeks. For sports, firm support is essential for the first few months.
Previous indications
1. Take your time to recover: Recovery time after any surgery is crucial, and healing after breast augmentation surgery is no different. Most plastic surgeons recommend a healing period of three to six weeks , which includes wearing supportive bras . During this time, some swelling in the treated area is normal. Determining your new bra size will be difficult until the swelling has completely subsided.
2. Consult a professional : Many women wear the wrong bra size or their bra isn't properly adjusted. After breast augmentation, the breasts may have a different shape, so it's important to select the right bra that offers the perfect level of support.
When to buy a post-operative bra?
The post-operative bra will be given to the patient at our office before the breast augmentation surgery. The patient will bring it to the hospital on the day of the surgery, in the bag she will have packed at home.
You may be interested in: What to bring to the hospital for breast augmentation.
Once in the room, the patient will place the bra on the bed in which she will be taken to the operating room. After the operation, the medical team will place the bra on her in the operating room.
This orthopedic bra will act as a bandage, with the advantage of being much more comfortable.
The price of the bra is included in the price of the breast augmentation surgery, which is around €6.400. The final price is always personalized and adjusted to each individual case, so an initial consultation is necessary.
How to choose the right size of bra for breast augmentation?
To choose the perfect bra size you need to take two measurements: the band size and the cup size.
Measure the contour
To measure your bust correctly , place the measuring tape under your bust and measure the circumference . Once you have that measurement, add 15 cm . This will give you your size in the French system. For example, a woman with a 75 cm bust measurement would ideally wear a 90 bra size.
Measure the cup
To find your cup size , measure the fullest part of your bust : place the measuring tape horizontally between your areolas and around your back . Subtract your actual underbust measurement (without adding 15 cm) from this measurement . The result can range from 12 to 30 or more. Simply consult the following chart to determine your cup size:
- Between 12 – 14: corresponds to cup A.
- Between 14 – 16: corresponds to cup B.
- Between 16 – 18: corresponds to cup C.
- Between 18 – 20: corresponds to cup D.
- Between 20 – 22: corresponds to E cup.
- Between 22 – 24: corresponds to F cup.
If you have any doubts, your plastic surgeon will explain the guidelines you should follow when trying on a bra to find out if it's your size.
3. Try different styles
Perhaps this is the most fun part, and the one every woman looks forward to after breast augmentation. It's time to try different colors and styles . Now, you'll likely find that other styles you didn't wear before will suit you better. An afternoon of shopping can be a great way to change your style.
4. Wait before buying very expensive underwear
Once the healing period has passed and the swelling has subsided, your breasts may experience some slight changes during the first six months. For this reason, before investing in new bras , it's advisable to buy a couple of comfortable ones that fit your new size. After the first six months, if these bras fit your new shape well, you can continue buying that size. If not, look for the size that fits best.
5. Avoid online shopping
It's very important that the bra fits your new figure and that you try it on properly before buying it. For this reason, until you've adjusted to the new size and know exactly what you need, it's best to avoid online shopping.
6. Donate your old bras
Once you've had breast augmentation surgery, your old bras won't fit anymore. If they're in good condition, donate them to a women's charity.
These are the key points to consider when buying a bra after breast augmentation.
How long will I have to wear the post-operative bra?
The patient should wear this bra for the first month after surgery . Furthermore, as it is a firm bra with excellent fit, we will recommend it when the patient begins exercising or as a sports bra in the future.
Once the first month or month and a half postoperatively has passed, the patient may purchase other bras, always following the recommendations of the plastic surgeon.
If you have any questions about post-operative bras or anything related to breast augmentation, contact Dr. Sordo. Dr. Gustavo Sordo , a plastic surgeon in Madrid specializing in breast augmentation , is one of the few who uses the "24h Recovery" technique. This technique minimizes surgical complications while achieving natural-looking results. Come visit us at our plastic surgery clinic in Madrid.
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Dr. Gustavo Sordo
Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Member No. 282858125.
Content clinically reviewed by Dr. Gustavo Sordo. Last review: October 7, 2026.