Compression band after breast augmentation

Hello,There is no evidence to suggest that either bands or implant massage have any value whatsoever.  Bands don't 'push' implants down, tissue expansion does.  Massage neither prevents or treats capsular contracture, nor is it necessary for normal healing. Knowing this, I'm confident to tell you to take it off and don't bother massaging. The problem I have with surgeons telling their patients this is that if you do have a problem, it is now your fault because you didn't do it correctly or enough, which is just not true. Best of luck!

Hi Rae,  I would suggest that you contact your plastic surgeon first and discuss this with him/her.If a dressing or garment is too painful, a modification should be made. I personally just have my patients wear a good supportive bra post-op , but every surgeon has a different routine based on their experience, so that is why you should really give your own surgeon a call to see what he/she thinks.Best,De. Christine Rodgers

In my practice, I do not use the compression band at all.  For it to have any effect, it has to be so tight that most patients cannot tolerate it.  If it is not being worn very tight, it serves no purpose.  Your breasts really should settle and shape out all on their own.  I would follow your surgeon's instructions, but would not worry so much about the band use.  If it is causing you pain, then not worth it.  I hope this helps.

Compression bands are used for implants and breast augmentation when the implants may be high either after a transaxillary approach (underarm) or there was some asymmetry.  If it is hurting you, then in my opinion, would stop using it as typically pain and discomfort (not from the procedure) but from a garment is not the best.  After discontinuing discuss this with your MD or his RN in the office.

Dear Rae_linds,

Thank you for posting your question. I would advise checking directly with your plastic surgeon what their wishes are and to explain your concerns about the band. I do not always ask my patients to wear a band. Mostly I ask them to wear a post-surgical bra for six weeks day and night except for showering. When I ask patients to wear the band, it is usually because of use of a specific implant or a specific anatomical reason related to that patient. It is not the main determinant of your outcome but it is always better to ask the plastic surgeon involved in your care before stopping use of it.
Best wishes for your recovery!

The use of compression bands and massage should be determined by your plastic surgeon. Please contact your surgeon who is in the best position to advise you regarding post-operative care. 

Congratulations on  having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. There is no “standard” when it comes to the use of specific bras or garments after breast surgery. In other words, different plastic surgeons may have different practices when it comes to postoperative dressings/bras.  Generally, these bands/garments are not meant to be too tight or "hurt"; best to let your plastic surgeon know if this is the case.
In my practice, patients wake up with a surgical bra in place. This surgical bra, although not attractive, is supportive and used for about one month after surgery (some of my patients have been known to burn the bra ASAP). Then, patients transition to a soft sports bra. Wired bras are used when breast have reached their “final position” and patients have full sensation along the breast skin.
Generally, the longer I have been in practice, the more I appreciate the long term use of supportive bras after all types of breast surgery. This additional support may be especially helpful when patients are lying down and/or engaged in strenuous exercise. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Thank you for the question. The postop dressing vary very much from surgeon to surgeon. It is also reflects how the implant pickets and closures are performed. You should discuss with your surgeon first. Good luck. 

By all means follow your surgeons advice and do not rely on internet opinions from people who have not examined you. In my experience (35 years) pressure bands and breast implant displacemnet exercises can be helpful and I use displacement exercises on all of my patientys.

As others have indicated, the use of the compression strap is variable from surgeon to surgeon.  I do not believe that they have any effect on the final outcome, but they seem to help control the swelling that inevitably accompanies this type of surgery.  Most of us would agree that it should not be painful to wear.  I suggest you contact your surgeon to find out how he or she would like you to handle this issue.