Why Did my Surgeon Tape my Breast Implant in Place After Augmentation?

Question

I had my breast augmentation done this morning with 300 cc Natrelle HP implants, starting with a 32/34 AA. My surgeon had to tape my left implant because he said it didn't migrate into the pocket as easily as my right.Is this hopefully something that can easily be corrected? Is this what a plastic surgeon would call "bottoming out"? My breasts appear symmetrical from what I have noticed, but I am lightly bandaged. Thank you so much in advance!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I am not sure if he/she had to tape your implant down or tape it up. In the former situation this occurs commonly following correction of constricted or tuberous breasts in order to promote expansion of the lower portion of the breast. In the latter, it may be required following inferior caspsulorrhaphy.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Surgeons may tape breast implants in place after augmentation for several reasons:1. Support and positioning: Taping helps to support and position the implants correctly during the initial healing phase, ensuring they settle into the desired position and reduce the risk of displacement.2. Minimizing swelling and bruising: Taping can help minimize post-operative swelling and bruising by providing gentle compression and reducing movement of the implants.3. Reducing fluid accumulation: Taping can help reduce the risk of fluid accumulation around the implants which can be a complication of breast augmentation surgery.4. Scar management: In some cases, surgical tape may also be used to manage and protect incision scars as they heal.It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including how long to keep the tape in place and when to remove it, to ensure the best results from your breast augmentation surgery. If you have concerns or questions, it’s best to consult with your surgeon for guidance.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, don't stress, this is commonly done by some surgeons to assist in positioning the breast implant in the immediate postoperative period.  Bottoming out refers to dropping of the majority of the breast tissue below the nipple-areolar complex, and this can occur many months or years after surgery, not immediately after surgery.  If your breasts appear symmetric, that's a great sign.  Just be aware that during the first month after surgery one breast or the other may appear larger or smaller due to differences in swelling, so you need to be patient.  Call your surgeon if you have any questions.  Good luck, /nsn.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Tru
There are many reasons to tape breasts after augmentation. I find it useful when lowering the inframammary fold on patients with a tight crease or even some with mild tuberous deformity. This is done to supplement any sutures used to support the fold as kind of a belt and suspenders type of repair.
When you see your surgeon tomorrow in post op why not ask him/her to explain the reason for taping once the anesthesia is out of your system.

Jack Gelman, MD (retired) · Answer

Ask your surgeon. Don't get opinions from a bunch of us "experts." Call your surgeon and ask. You trusted him/her to operate on you. Trust him/her to answer your questions, especially the day after surgery. By the way, it sounds reasonable.

Why Did my Surgeon Tape my Breast Implant in Place After Augmentation?

Answers (5)

Answer: Taping after breast augmentation

Answer: Taping after breast augmentation

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Why Did my Surgeon Tape my Breast Implant in Place After Augmentation?

Answers (5)

Answer: Taping after breast augmentation

Answer: Taping after breast augmentation

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.