Wearing a Compression Band for 6 Months After Breast Augmentation?

The prolonged use of compression bands that you describe is not necessary and I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon. In breast augmentation surgery, no matter what the breast shape, size or technique, the pocket dissection should accomodate the chosen implant size. I do not rely on bands or bras in order to "force" the implant down. Typically this is utilized for a blind dissection pocket that is too small for the implant, usually seen in some trans-axillary (arm pit) type techniques, and commonly doesn't work. Breast implants will be high riding after a sub-pectoral pocket placement because the pectoralis muscle has some amount of spasm over the implant and holds it in a high poistion. Once this muscle relaxes, the implants will drop into their accurately dissected pocket which ususally takes 2 to 3 weeks and not 6 months.

I hope this helps.

Dr. Trussler

I do not use any type of compression apparatus after surgery.  If the operation is performed correctly, then massage alone will allow the implants to fall nicely into place.  If the lower pole of the breast is inadequately released, the implants will not fall, even with a band.

Thank you for your question. If your surgeon is recommending a bandeau, they may think that the implants are currently riding too high and would like to push them down. A bra conversely would prevent the implants from lowering.

While sometimes a compression band may be utilized post surgery for breasts that are sitting in a high position, it is normally not needed for a prolonged amount of time. Massage and giving it time will allow them to settle nicely on their own. Breast implants usually settle within a few months at most and compression is not commonly required for extended periods of time. You should consult with your plastic surgeon regarding his specific recommendation of wearing the compression band for 6 months.

In general I do not ask my patients to massage or wear special garments after three weeks post-op.  That being said in a rare instance I do ask patients to massage one or both breasts/implants.  That being said, I would respectfully suggest that after 3 months post-op any massage or manipulation of implants will have no effect upon the ultimate result.  So, in short, 6 months post op, my personal belief would be that what you see is what you get.  Best of luck.

I typically recommend that my primary breast augmentation patients wear a light weight compression breast band and front closure sports bra for the first four weeks following their surgical procedure.  I would recommend discussing your specific surgeons post-operative protocols, including their recommended use of compression garments, at your next follow up visit since every surgeon varies in what they require/advise.  

Thank you for your question. Your surgeon may be wanting to influence the decent of the implants within the breasts. It usually takes several months for the breasts to settle out. If the band is uncomfortable, I would revisit with your surgeon to see if there are other options.

That would only be if the surgeon is worried the implants have been placed too high that is way too long - normally only a support bra is needed , no compression strapping at allsupport bra for 6 weeks then normal bras 

Hello! Thank you for your question! You are still early
post-procedure. Your appearance looks typical at this stage and will
continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the implants continue
to settle into their desired position. This usually proceeds over the
next several weeks as the lower pole skin/breast stretches to
accommodate the implants. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for
additional restrictions/instructions and the potential use of
bras/garments or massage that may encourage the implant to settle
appropriately. If still displaced after this time, a surgical procedure
may be necessary to further open the pocket and bring the implant(s)
down. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

It’s not unusual for patients to have superior
displacement of their breast implants in the immediate postoperative period.
This occurs for a variety of reasons including spasm of the pectoralis muscles
and swelling. In an effort to minimize this problem many plastic surgeons
utilize a superior breast compression band. This device forces the implant in
an inferior direction which keeps the inferior pocket fully expanded. In the
majority of cases this is only necessary for about two weeks. After two weeks
most of the swelling and muscle spasms have resolved and this maneuver is no longer
necessary.

If the breast implants are still superiorly positioned
after six months, a compression band won’t change the implant position. Under
these circumstances more aggressive maneuvers are usually always necessary. In
most cases this involves expansion of the inferior breast pocket with a
procedure known as acapsulotomy.

If you’ve been wearing a superior compression band for
six months it’s appropriate to discuss revisional surgery with your surgeon.
Hopefully a treatment plan can be formulated that addresses your concerns. 

It's best to follow whatever your surgeon advises, although this does sound unusual. Generally, I recommend patients wear a compression bra day and night for the first eight weeks in your recovery from breast augmentation, taking it off only when showering. A tensor bandage wrapped around the top of your breasts will help your breasts to settle if worn for a couple of months, but 6months does sound rather long. Please ask your surgeon why they advised you to do this.