In this video, Dr. Fernando Amato, Plastic Surgeon at Instituto Amato, will talk about: Bra, Compression Garment, or Elastic Bandage Use in the Post-operative Period. A useful topic for those undergoing plastic surgery.

Hello! I am Dr.

Fernando Amato, plastic surgeon here at the
Amato Institute, and today I’m going to talk a little bit

about a common doubt among patients who undergo
mammoplasty or breast augmentation with

silicone implants. Sometimes, they forget to
ask or become very anxious if they don't

know the answer, which is very common among
patients: the use of the bra, the post-surgical compression garment,

the elastic band.

So, this post-operative bra that
patients use, it is generally recommended by almost all

plastic surgeons; it's not
mandatory, some surgeons might have a slightly different routine, and its

use will depend exactly on the surgery
performed. Mammoplasty indeed has specific

characteristics, mastopexy with implants
has others, and there are alternative

options to the bra.

Some doctors perform the surgery and
bandage the entire patient, eliminating the need for a

bra at that moment, wrapping them until their
return visit, and then even re-wrapping them.

There are some professionals who opt
for taping; it's now very common for

some doctors to use taping, which
sometimes even helps with swelling, preventing too much swelling in the

breast, and also provides more security
for the patient.

An alternative to the bra for those who can't
afford to buy one, or who undergo surgery

through the public health system (SUS), a
breast reconstruction through SUS.

Sometimes we provide other alternatives
besides bandaging, such as a surgical top,

or even using a regular bra.

But the biggest problem with bras
in the post-operative period is the seams;

often the bra seams can leave marks
on the operated area and cause injury, sometimes

right over the incision.

So, these bras with underwires and internal seams
can be detrimental.

This is the difference with a post-surgical bra:

the seams are on the outside, and the opening is at the
front, making it much easier for the patient

to open it. On the back, she won't be able
to move her arm to open and close this bra.

So, that's why we usually
recommend a post-surgical bra.

But how long should this bra be worn? Well,
it will really vary individually;

each patient will have different needs. I usually
have my patients wear it for at least one month

throughout the post-operative period, that is, day and night,

only removing it to shower. After a month,
I advise the patient to start wearing

other bras that don't leave as many marks, and alternating during the day
one bra, at night another. They tend to prefer

wearing the post-surgical bra at night
for comfort, and for us to say, to wean off it,

but in reality it's gradually
removing the constant use of that bra.

It can be worn for longer, no problem; some women
end up wearing it for up to six months,

but one must be aware that these
limitations can be individual, and sometimes even the post-surgical bra itself,

sometimes with those extensive compression garments that extend
to the abdomen with the bra, can even weaken the trunk

musculature a little. So, this needs to be thoroughly
discussed with the doctor, to see if it's appropriate

to wear it longer, if it can be worn for less time. Sometimes, patients
develop allergies within two weeks and don't

adapt to wearing the bra.

So there are alternatives: it can be a
top, or you can wear a shirt underneath

it, to prevent direct contact.

So these are alternatives that need to be
discussed with the bra or with the team

doing the post-operative care, and they depend on each
surgery, each technique, each patient and

each doctor. So if you have any questions
about bras, and want to ask a question here,

I will try to answer as best as possible,
but always respecting the conduct of the plastic surgeon

who performed your surgery.

So, if you liked this video, have someone
to share it with, share it, like this

video, comment, and that's
it. Thank you very much!