Research and Development of a Support Bra for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Abstract

        The objectives of this study were to investigate and analyze postoperative complications, identify the underlying needs and common problems experienced by patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery, and design and develop a prototype postoperative support bra. Statistical data were analyzed using in-depth interview techniques with three board-certified plastic surgeons from Pratunam Polyclinic, Lelux Hospital, and Bangkok Plastic Surgery Clinic to obtain expert insights into the appropriate production process for postoperative support bras. The experimental factors focused on the selection of the primary fabric material, comprising cotton knit fabric, microfiber fabric, and free-cut fabric. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, resulting in three experimental treatments to determine the most suitable material for the prototype support bra.

        The results demonstrated that microfiber fabric was the most suitable primary material among the three fabric types. This material exhibited superior elastic recovery properties that satisfied the established material performance requirements for postoperative breast support bras. with the highest elastic recovery rate (97.5%) and the lowest residual strain (3.0%). The developed support bra represents an innovation in medical textiles that addresses the growing demands of Thailand's aesthetic surgery industry. Moreover, provides appropriate compression without exerting excessive pressure on the surgical incision, and enhances postoperative recovery outcomes, thereby contributing to improved clinical effectiveness.