How tight should I wrap my strap around my chest?

Question

I was told to wear a strap around my chest to help my implants settle. How tight should I wrap it?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

As much as you can tolerate it in your daily activities. No need  to be too tight. You should ask your surgeon or a nurse how tight they recommend. Good luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally don't think this is effective treatment but the amount of pressure to be administered by such as strap should be upon the advice of your own surgeon.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.A strap is a great way to help move along the settling of the implants. I used to give patients a strap band to wear but it is just another device that patients have to struggle with.A simple method is to flip the sports bra up over the top of the breast. I feel that will give just the right amount of compression. Be sure to get the OK from your surgeon before deviating from any of his/her instructions.Congrats on your surgery!- Dr. Bryson Richards

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  You are still early 
post-procedure. This breast band is meant to give some downward pressure in order to encourage the implant to settle/stretch into the pocket.  You should have adequate compression.  Discuss the amount with your surgeon.  Your status is 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!

David R. Broadway, MD, FACS · Answer

I use elastic straps to help the implant settle into place a bit sooner.  It should give firm compression, but should not cause discomfort.  It should be worn at the top of the implant (sometimes a bit difficult) so that it pushes the implant inferiorly.  Worn too low, it is not as effective.  If it irritates the skin, I will suggest wearing a Tee Shirt beneath the strap.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It should feel like you are having adequate compression as if you were in Spanx however it would be best to ask your PS.  You do not want it too tight that it would compromise blood flow.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

The strap should be "snug".  It should be tight enough to feel the downward pressure but not so tight you feel like you cannot breathe.  When you return for a follow up appointment, ask your plastic surgeon to show you how to place your strap.  Best wishes.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

It is best to adjust the strap to provide firm compression while still comfortable.Just as important is the position of the strap so that the compression is effective. If the strap is too tight, it will ride up on the chest and irritate the front of the armpit. If the strap is too low, it may have the opposite of the desired effect.Best to check with your surgeon as to how it should be optimally positioned and tightened for you individually.

How tight should I wrap my strap around my chest?

Answers (8)

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