The perfect bra size post-breast surgery:

Breast surgery, whether it’s augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, is a significant decision met with anticipation and excitement. Amidst this journey, an essential yet often overlooked aspect of recovery is finding the perfect bra. Ensuring proper support post-surgery is crucial in promoting healing, providing comfort, and achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. As a dual-qualified plastic and breast surgeon in the U.K., I understand the nuances of this process. Here’s a detailed guide on navigating the world of bras after breast surgery, focusing on the importance of compression bras and how to determine your ideal size.

The role of compression bras in recovery

Immediately following breast surgery, the body begins to heal, and during this phase, swelling and bruising can occur. This is where compression bras come in. These specially designed garments apply gentle pressure to the breast area, which helps reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, and limit movement that could disrupt healing. Here’s why compression bras are vital:

1. Minimise Swelling: By applying consistent pressure, compression bras help in reducing post-operative swelling and fluid retention, which can be common in the initial weeks post-surgery.

2. Support Healing: They stabilise the surgical site, ensuring that your breasts remain in the optimal position to heal properly.

3. Enhance Comfort: The soft, seam-free design minimises irritation, easing discomfort during the sensitive post-surgery phase.

4. Promote Scar Healing: Consistent pressure aids in flattening and softening scars over time.

Most surgeons recommend wearing a compression bra around the clock for the first 4-6 weeks following surgery. As always, follow the specific guidance provided by your surgeon.

Measuring for the Perfect Bra Size

Transitioning from a compression to a regular bra is a personal milestone in your recovery journey. However, navigating this process amidst shifting chest sizes due to swelling can be daunting. Here’s how to measure your size confidently:

1. Wait for Initial Healing: Typically, it's advised to wait at least six weeks post-surgery before measuring for a new bra. At this point, most swelling should have subsided, and your breasts will have settled into their new shape and size.

2. Use a Soft Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements, ensure that the tape is snug but not too tight. Take a measurement around your ribcage, directly under your bust, and round it to the nearest inch. This is your band size.

3. Measure Your Bust: With the tape across the fullest part of your breasts, take another measurement. Subtract your band measurement from this bust measurement to find the cup size.

4. Cup Size Calculation: Each inch of difference corresponds to a cup size (1-inch difference = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, etc.).

5. Professional Fittings: Consider seeking a professional fitting post-surgery for personalised assistance. Professionals can ensure you find a bra that fits your new shape and lifestyle needs accurately.

When to measure and reassess

Keep in mind that healing is an ongoing process, and your size might continue to change slightly for several months. Therefore, re-evaluate your bra size every few months during the first year following surgery. 

Getting in touch

Navigating your post-operative journey can be challenging, and I am here to ensure you have all the support and guidance you need. If you have any questions or require further assistance with your recovery or choosing the right bra, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your comfort and confidence are paramount, and I am committed to supporting you every step of the way.

By understanding the importance of compression garments and knowing when and how to measure for your ideal bra, you'll be well on your way to a smoother recovery and a comfortable return to your daily activities!

Breast reduction: The perfect fit

In the realm of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, breast reduction emerges as a uniquely transformative procedure. Dr. Victoria Teoh, a distinguished UK based Dual Plastic and Breast Surgeon, specialises in personalising this surgery to meet each patient's specific needs and desires. In this post, we explore the intricacies of breast reduction, who can benefit from it, the techniques involved, and how it can be tailored just for you.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction, clinically known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with the body. This surgery not only leads to aesthetic balance but also alleviates discomfort associated with overly large breasts, such as back and neck pain, posture issues, and skin irritations.

Who is Breast Reduction for?

Breast reduction can benefit a wide variety of individuals:

• Women Experiencing Physical Discomfort: Large breasts can cause chronic pain, skin rashes, and even breathing issues.

• Individuals Facing Emotional and Social Challenges: Those experiencing self-consciousness, difficulty finding clothes that fit, or unwanted attention.

• Athletes and Active Individuals: Large breasts can impede physical activity, and a reduction can facilitate improved mobility and comfort.

• Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss Patients: Those seeking to address changes in breast size and shape post-pregnancy or significant weight loss.

The Benefits of Breast Reduction

By reducing breast size, patients frequently experience improved physical health, enhanced self-esteem, and a more active lifestyle. Improved posture and relief from chronic pain contribute to the procedure's high satisfaction rate. Furthermore, many patients report a profound psychological lift, enjoying newfound confidence and freedom in everyday activities.

Techniques used in Breast Reduction

Dr. Victoria Teoh employs various techniques to achieve optimal results:
- Anchor or Inverted-T Incision: The most common method involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the fold.
- Vertical or "Lollipop" Incision: A less invasive option for moderate reductions, this involves a single incision around the areola and down to the breast crease.

Bespoke Breast Reduction Surgery

Customisation is at the heart of Dr. Victoria Teoh’s practice. Here’s how each procedure is tailored:

• Personalised Consultation: It begins with understanding your personal goals, lifestyle, and medical history.

• Assessment and Planning: A detailed assessment of breast size, skin quality, and body proportions ensures a customised surgical plan.

• Scar Minimisation Strategies: Using advanced techniques, Dr. Teoh focuses on minimising scarring for both aesthetic and functional benefits.

• Emotional Support: Acknowledging the emotional journey, Dr. Teoh provides continuous support and ensures clear communication throughout the process.

Post-Surgery Support and Care

Your journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Dr. Victoria Teoh prioritises aftercare, offering comprehensive post-surgery support to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Follow-up visits, personalised care plans, and dedicated support channels are integral to the pathway to healing.

Post-Surgery Support and Care

Your journey doesn’t end in the operating room. Dr. Victoria Teoh prioritises aftercare, offering comprehensive post-surgery support to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Follow-up visits, personalised care plans, and dedicated support channels are integral to the pathway to healing.

What to expect after breast reduction surgery

Embarking on the journey towards a more comfortable and confident you through breast reduction surgery can involve a mixture of excitement but also apprehension on what to expect after surgery. Knowing what lies ahead can prepare you for the road to recovery.

Immediate post-surgery

As soon as you wake up from surgery, your breasts will have dressings and you will be helped into a post-surgery compression bra on the ward, if you aren’t wearing one already. Wearing the bra 24/7 will not only provide the essential support for your breasts to heal, but it’ll reduce the pain and swelling in your breasts. During the initial days, you can expect some soreness, swelling and mild discomfort. Your surgeon will provide guidelines on pain management and also when you are allowed to start showering and getting your dressings wet. Some, but not all, surgeons use a drain, which remains overnight and is then removed the next day before your discharge. Prepare extra pillows to place on either side of you in bed. This will help with your comfort as it’ll cushion your breasts when you roll over in your sleep.

Ideally, you should have someone around to give a helping hand with the day-to-day activities during this time. You’ll be able to potter around the house more comfortably by the third day but don’t be tempted to do too much at once. Move slowly, with gentle movements and make sure you eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. A high protein, high calorie diet is important for your body to heal. You may want to consider a daily multi-vitamin if you’re not keen on fruit and veg.

You should bring any sudden swelling or unusual pain to the attention of your surgeon as this may be an early warning sign that you are developing bleeding in your breast, known as a haematoma. If mild, your surgeon may monitor the situation, but on occasion if the haematoma is large, you may need to have further surgery to remove the haematoma.

Healing over the first few weeks

In the following 1-2 weeks, you can expect the swelling and bruising to settle down. Your first check-up will take place during this time and your surgical wound will be checked. Your wound should be healed by the end of the 2nd week into a scar. Your scar may appear red and raised initially – don’t be alarmed, this is perfectly normal and it will fade and settle with time. Develop a daily routine of scar massage and moisturizing as it’ll pay off in the long run in helping you get the best scar possible. It takes a year for the scar to fade and soften completely. If you have a predilection to bad scarring, you should start applying silicone gel or tape on your scar.

While you’ll need some downtime initially, gradual re-entry into daily activities is on the horizon. Your surgeon will advise when it’s safe to resume light activities. On average, most people start driving at 2 weeks. Light exercise such as a gentle leisurely stroll can start at 2 weeks but if you feel any discomfort during these activities, you should immediately stop and rest as it’s your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing too much. Avoid any overcrowded places as there is a real risk that someone could bump into you and this trauma can cause pain and swelling. If you are normally around any babies or small children, you should arrange alternative care for them as for the same reasons.

Up to 4 weeks

By now, most of your bruising and breast swelling should have settled. You may experience a burning or throbbing sensation as your tissues and nerves heal. This will gradually improve over a few months. 

Gentle light, cardio exercises involving your lower body can resume after 2 weeks. Start with leisurely strolls and build up your stamina to a low incline walk. Once you are comfortable with this, you can level up to a low impact exercise like gentle cycling on a stationary bike. You should avoid traditional cycling as the risk of a fall onto your chest could precipitate a bleed still at this early recovery phase. It is recommended that you aim for only 50% of your pre-op pace whilst you slowly rebuild your endurance. Make sure you wear your compression bra or a supportive sports bra when you work out. You must avoid any upper body work including yoga, pilates or any cardio where there is any repetitive movement of your breasts like jogging or high intensity training.

Sexual activity can be resumed 3 weeks after surgery. You may notice changes to your nipple sensation, typically nipple numbness. This should improve over 2-3 months. Some women get shooting pains on the side of their breasts or behind their nipples - this is usually short-lived and is due to the nerves in the breast recovering. 

Six to eight weeks

Six to eight weeks after your surgery, you may resume jogging or running. You should build up your pace to 75% of what you previously did at the six-week mark and back to your pre-op pace by the eight-week mark. If at any point you have any discomfort in your breasts, you should dial it back and give it a few more weeks of healing as it’s your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing too much.

Two to three months

By 3 to 4 months, your swelling should have settled completely, and your ‘final’ breast shape will emerge. You may notice some firm lumps or bumps in your breasts. This is a normal part of healing from the breast rearrangement internally, but it is worth getting it checked out with your surgeon.

It is important to stick to your aftercare instructions. Patience is key to your recovery and some forward planning to ensure that you have the right set-up at home before checking in for your surgery will ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Top recovery tips after breast enlargement

1. Stick to your aftercare instructions like it’s the new beauty trend

This is crucial as an earlier-than planned return to the gym or driving have been known to displace the breast implant within its new position. Trauma from a fall onto the chest can also precipitate a bleed (haematoma) that can set your recovery back.

Wearing your post-op compression bra 24/7 is crucial for the first month after surgery. With time, the breast swelling will fade and your implants will settle into their new position. It’s like waiting for the perfect sunset- the more patient you are, the more breathtaking the view.

2. Rally your support squad

Set yourself up for a smooth recovery by making sure that your support systems are in place upon discharge. Call in your partner, mum or bestie for a bit of TLC after surgery. You’ll need a hand for the first 48 hours. You’ll be grateful to have someone around to bring you snacks, cups of tea, cook a meal or even just for a chat- it’ll make a world of difference during the early days of recovery.

3. You are what you eat

The power of nourishment should not be underestimated. Stock your fridge up with nutrient-packed, easy-to-cook meals including fruits, veggies and lean protein. If you’re not great with fruit and veg, then it’s probably best to pop a multi-vitamin daily to help boost your immune system and stave off post-op infections. A high-protein, high-calorie diet is crucial for tissue repair and wound healing. Don’t forget - Hydration is key and you should aim to get in at least 8 glasses of water (2 litres) a day to help nutrient absorption and to flush out all the toxins! By fuelling your body well, you’ll set the stage for a successful and speedy recovery.  

4. Listen to your body

Your body is the ultimate guidebook to recovery. Give it the attention it deserves- rest when you’re feeling tired, don’t overexert yourself or rush the healing process. Sleep supports the immune system and is crucial for tissue repair. Embrace the art of lounging – think cozy pillows, your favourite pyjamas and a good Netflix series. Light activities like leisurely strolls are great for the first couple of weeks.

5. Park the smoking and alcohol

Smoking is known to increase the risk of complications after surgery. The nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels and essentially starves the wound tissue of the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Vaping also contains nicotine so, you’ll need to avoid both. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can interfere with your liver function and ability to clot.