Will they drop well without wearing a strap? It hurts so much when I wear it. (Photos)

Question

My doctor advised wearing my strap for “a few more days” to help the girls drop and settle into the pocket but it hurts so much when I wear it. When I don’t wear it I don’t even need pain meds (post op day 3) but when I do I feel like I need a Percocet. I’m compromising by wearing it for a few hours and then taking it off for a few. I don’t want to bug my doc on a Saturday.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations bthur on your most recent surgery. I tell my patients wear it as much as you can. Once you start massaging that will help the settling process as well. Best of luck to you while you are recovering.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

There is some disagreement as to the value of a breast strap. Most surgeons believe the implants will settle into place without the strap but the strap will hasten or speed up the process. This being the case I generally tell my patients to only apply tension that is comfortable when using the strap.  Although there may be a variety of opinions regarding the importance of the strap, the most important opinion is from your surgeon. Discuss your condition with your surgeon and allow him/her to guide you through your recovery.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Your implants will most likely settle into position with or without the strap, but some surgeons prefer to use a strap. Before you change your post-op protocol, it is always best to discuss this with your surgeon first.Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bthur,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast augmentation surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the implants are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides and the implants drop to their final position, you will be able to see the final result of your breast augmentation surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is entirely voluntary and what is tolerable for my patients... but after the sutures are removed and massages started, if they are too full on top, they are instructed to wear the strap as much as possible, stopping the strap when they feel they are 'good enough' as more settling does occur.  When they get to 'perfect', the have to start wearing a supportive bra to stop the settling process.  This routine works really well for my patients.

Richard Arabitg, MD · Answer

Make sure to speak with your doctor before you stop using your strap* however, your breasts will fall into the natural breast pocket on their own. Personally, in my opinion pushing your breasts down is not always the answer. Most of my patients want to have a "push up" look without wearing a bra. If you push your breats down, they look aged and in two years the look 10 years old. I also tell my patients to wear a breast band UNDER the breasts to make sure the breast pocket heals nice and high like what your bra would do.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Each surgeon has their own post-op protocols.should expect the skin to soften and the implant to settle at about three months after surgery. Please follow up with your surgeon with your concerns.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

This is commonly recommended to help your implants "drop". Implants dropping is a process of settling of the implants, stretching of your breast skin and muscle, and resolution of swelling. It takes several weeks on average. A strap can sometimes help this process, because it applies downward pressure on your implants. I recommend it for some of my breast augmentation patients but not all. It should not be painful - so have another discussion with you doctor because it may be too tight or ill fitting.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

In my experience breast implants tend to drop on their own when in a proper position on the chest.  I do find breast implant displacement exercises can help but did not start them until 2 weeks after surgery.  I found Bando straps are not usually helpful.  However is important that you discuss this with your surgeon and explain your discomfort.  It is best to follow your surgeons advice and not rely on Internet opinions

Will they drop well without wearing a strap? It hurts so much when I wear it. (Photos)

Answers (9)

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