The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog

Promote Breast Health by Choosing an Appropriate Bra - Thursday, May 01, 2008

Recently, a London hospital recently began performing "bra checks," to women, and found that not one woman tested was wearing a properly sized bra. According to doctors, women who wear a properly sized bra can reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain, and decrease the need for a breast reduction. Wearing a properly sized bra is also important to reduce the need for a breast lift, and also to preserve the good results of a breast augmentation. Here are some tips to help you get the support you need from your bra.

Select the Right Cups

In a properly-fitting bra, the cups should completely contain your breasts without bulging or deforming the breast. Molded rather than flat cups are best. It is also important to pay attention to the seams, which play an essential role in giving support to the breasts. When you try on a bra, make sure the tie between the cups rests flat against your chest. If not, you need a larger cup size.

Underwires

Underwires add important support to the breast, but if poorly fitted they can be painful. If your cups are the right size, the underwire should be completely below the breast, resting directly against the rib cage.

Strapped In

The bra straps are the most important part of the bra for distributing the weight of the breasts and giving support. The back strap should rest flat against your back at or below the shoulder blades. When the strap rides up or is too loose, it is a sign that the bra is too big. If the bra feels too tight, try a bra with a larger cup first, then try a larger bra. Most of the weight is borne by the straps over the shoulder, and should be wider if possible. Also, keep them properly adjusted. If they drift, they are too loose, but if they cut into the shoulders, they are too tight.

Wear It

In order to protect your breasts, it is important to wear your bra all the time, especially during exercise. A sports bra is recommended for running and other high-impact exercises. You may believe that that you will not need to wear a bra following breast augmentation surgery, but this is not true. Breast implants, especially silicone implants, are more resistant to gravity than natural breast tissue, but not wearing a bra can reduce the lifetime of the procedure.

To learn more about how to maintain the health of your breasts before and following breast surgery, contact the Centre, P.C. today to set up a consultation.