Why no need for a bra after Reconstruction?

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Charlierun
Charlierun Member Posts: 35
edited May 2021 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi, I will be seeing my Plastic Surgeon in two weeks where I will be discussing my options for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to a BRCA2 mutation. She has recommended a diep flap reconstruction , and I am still deciding between diep or implants. I have read in the forums that wearing a bra Is not needed after you have fully recovered from surgery. (I am not referring to the immediate post op recovery from a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction) I am curious about that as I’ve always had to wear a bra to give support, I have been a 36D. Is it the same for diep reconstruction with your own tissue in terms of wearing a bra? The reason I ask because it sounds if I have saline or silicone implants they must not move much or bounce? I have been a runner for 40 years and just curious what the long-term effects saline/or silicone would be on exercise and movement?.


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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited May 2021

    I can’t speak to DIEP but I have had implants for almost 10 years. No, they don’t bounce or move much and they are as firm as a teenagers! They feel normal to the touch, no solid or hard, but youthfully firm. I actually wear a bra most of the time as I am a teacher and I feel it’s more professional but go bra less around the house. Best of luck

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  • abigailj
    abigailj Member Posts: 145
    edited May 2021

    Hi Charlierun - I had nipple sparing BMX with immediate DIEP recon, slight reduction in size from 36DD to 36D. They are a lot less saggy than my natural breasts were but if I don’t wear a bra outside the house I’d bounce too much and would feel embarrassed/uncomfortable.


    Hope your upcoming surgery goes well with whatever you decide.

    Abigail

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  • mommamonaster
    mommamonaster Member Posts: 17
    edited May 2021

    I got implants (cosmetic) years ago, and in doing my research learned that breast tissue is much denser than implants. So a natural 36D breast is much heavier than an implanted breast of the same size. I think the no bra is because the implanted breast doesn't technically need the same level of support.

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  • SuQu31
    SuQu31 Member Posts: 160
    edited May 2021

    Charlierun,

    I would check with your surgeon and see what she/he recommends, especially since you are a runner. I had lat flaps and implants and I now wear a bra 24/7 because it is more comfortable to me. I did go up in size, but not enough to need new clothes. Some of the decision probably depends on the individual and how they feel. I would think that gravity still can impact your breasts, even after full healing.

    There are a number of discussions about the issue of bra-wearing on this site, so they might give you a range of viewpoints. As for implants, I believe there are various levels of firmness. My surgeon and I discussed what I wanted.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited May 2021

    Most plastic surgeons use some type of acellular dermal matrix such as Alloderm, as an internal support on the underside of the implant. It’s a bit like an internal sling

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited May 2021

    I had implant reconstruction and can go without a bra if I like, but I still wear a sports bra when I exercise because it feels better to me. On a day-to-day basis I wear a Coobie bra (https://shopcoobie.com), which has very little support but just feels really comfortable.

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  • Charlierun
    Charlierun Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2021

    Hi Everyone, Thanks everyone for responding to my post. There are a lot of factors to consider in my decision between implants vs diep as I hope to resume the same level of activity post surgery, i.e. running, hiking, etc....I realize the more important issues to consider in deciding between the reconstruction choices are recovery, risk of complications and number of surgeries required, but all the details help prepare me for the reality of living with foobs( I believe that is the term )

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