Post-Surg clothing questions

I am scheduled to  have thigh lift, TT, BL w/ implants March 27. My pre-op instructions include getting open closure sports bras. I have always had very small breasts, and am going to have 300cc moderate profile silicone implants with a BL. I currently wear a size 36B, but do not fill it...and I am a size M in a top. What size sports bras should I buy? I'm thinking there will be swelling in by chest and torso.  Also, with the TT and thigh lift (having the vertical incision inside thigh and in groin crease) I wanted to know if the swelling would require me to go up a size or two in PJ pants/yoga pants while I am home recuperating. 

Thanks for any input.

I spent most of my first two weeks in a long t-shirt and underwear with my binder over my t-shirt.  I put really baggy pants on to make my medical appointments.  Around the house, the t-shirt and underwear were enough for me. DH and I are empty nesters so I didn't have kids at home that would be embarrassed.  When friends came to visit, I covered my legs with a blanket.  I spent a lot of time in bed.  When I finally starting getting out an about, I wore yoga pants that were really stretchy.  Some were big, some were my size. 

I had a breast lift.  I did not have chest/torso swelling.  I knew I was a C, but I wasn't sure about the number.  I tried my old sports bras and they were too big.  I ended up buying 36 & 38's.  Honestly, I can't tell the difference in the size without looking at the label.  For me, bras vary so much in the sizing.  I don't think they should, but they do.  I really have to try them on because shape makes a difference.  I recommend you buy a couple to get you started.  When you're up for it shop for ones that fit. 

Good Luck! 

Kay

A breast lift may reduce your breast size dramatically (it did for me).  The implants will of course fill it back out.  You don't need the sports bra until your ace bandage comes off about a week after your surgery. You can do like the previous poster suggested and shop then or you can do what I did. I had M, L, and XL sports bras on hand after surgery.  When it was time to switch from the bandages I just went with the one that fit. With the 90 day with receipt return policy some the store offered, it was easy to take the others back when I felt better.

 I got one of those Champion front close sports bra. They come in sizes like S, M, L.  I wound up in a Large based on my the size of my ribcage.  After my breastlift, I was a 36C.  3months later I had implants of 340cc put in to balance out the lost upper fullness and the same sports bra still works.  It just is more filled out!

My PS advised to get a "good sports bra". I bought 3 differents sizes.. My swelling was so bad around the torso that I needed the larger one.. I hated the sports bra and still do.. I am glad finally to wear a different bra 8 weeks out..

Michelle

 I had a lift but no implants so I'm no help. Because I had my arms done at the same time, I had a surgical arm/ bra contraption for six weeks.  My chest was not swollen, just my breasts.  I was 29" below my bust pre op and the same afterwards, just so sensitive from the incisions that i wanted huge bras.  So it's not just about the cup size but incision protection.

 I did however have the long thight lift.  I lived in my surgical garments for six weeks and was able to wear my yoga pants over the garments.

The groin has been my most difficult to heal.  Underpants, even at 2.5 months out really irritate me.  I had to dig out some bigger undies to wear.  The elastic makes me nuts.  So now I can wear cute bikini panties but they hurt.  It gets better each week and now it's down to only one side being annoying.

I was also 36B (unfilled) prior to having a BL/BA last week. I bought the Champion/Bali zip front sports bra in L and XL. The XL is more comfortable because it is less tight where the bruising is. I don't particularly like it though. The zipper is large and doesn't sit flat, plus it's higher than some of my shirts. The surgical bra they gave me isn't bad except I don't like the thickness of the velcro closures on the shoulder - plus you can see the bandages thru it, so I can't wear it with light colored shirts. I had bought a couple of Champion XL cami style sports bras at Target with thinner straps (in the workout clothes section - not with the other bras). I've had to step into them rather than pull over my head, but they are very comfy. Not quite as much support, but have a wide bottom band are good for sleeping in.

My doc said I could use any non-underwire bra, so I fished thru my stuff I was going to donate and was able to fit into some of the larger ones I had. Not a perfect fit, but the band was ok. My implants are still sitting high, but are a few inches below my collarbone, so not too high. None of the bras have been truly comfy after a day's work though. The first thing I do after work is put on the Champion cami sports bra when I get home. Then I can relax!

Thank you everyone for the feedback....it is very helpful!