How long do I have to keep the compression band on? Is it safe to take it off for an hour here or there?

I do not ever use compression bands after breast augmentation, so it should be perfectly fine to remove it to shower.  If the operation was performed correctly, external compression devices are unnecessary.

Sometimes plastic surgeons utilize compression bras and upper pole bands postoperatively to keep the breast implants in a good position.  Usually, they should not hurt.  I would contact your operating plastic surgeon and discuss this issue with them.  Typically a 2-4 hour break from the upper pole band should not make a significant difference in the long term, but so soon after surgery, I would follow your surgeon's recommendations.I typically have my patients in the upper pole band for the first week or two depending on the patient.  If I have performed a breast lift (mastopexy) and augmentation, I tend to have my patients keep the compression on for a little bit longer.

Each surgeon and each patient is a little different - this is definitely a question best-suited for your specific plastic surgeon. However, the garment should generally not be painful, so definitely get this addressed.I hope this helps!