Capsulorrhaphy: How critical is it to wear a bra during healing? I did not and one breast bottomed out. (photo)

Question

A capsulorrhaphy (on rib) was done after I decided to change my 10 year-old implants. I went from 270cc (saline) to 345cc (gel Natrelle Inspira SSF). How critical is it to wear a bra during healing? Because I did not and one breast bottomed out. How likely is it that this is the cause? A young doctor did the operation. A couple of weeks after the surgery I probed him on whether it was important to wear a bra during healing time, he insisted that it wasn't a must, hence why he did not mention it.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

I am a big fan of bra support post-breast surgery, but especially after revision surgery. Whether underwire bra or post-revision straps, having initial support for at least the period of 4-6 weeks (maybe longer) does make a difference imo.  In terms of your particular case, it is hard to give you a more precise answer on this forum just based on the information and photos alone that you have provided.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Black Dress,bottoming out occurs when the implant falls below the current breast crease or inframammary line. It's more likely to happen with inframammary incisions, which is why I try not to use the inframammary approach to any breast surgery.
Bottoming out can also occur if an implant is too large for the breast pocket. That is why it is important to choose an implant size that's correct for your body. I perform numerous measurements in the office to determine optimal implant size for my patient's bodies.
If you are concerned, please check it with your plastic surgeon for reassurance and to further discuss your options and possibility of revision.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing. There are several important "factors" involved in this type of revisionary breast surgery. Most important (in my opinion): plastic surgeon experience level.     In other words, experience level and technical expertise play the biggest role when it comes to successful  outcomes with this type of revisionary breast surgery.   Careful attention to postoperative activity limitations as well as use of appropriate postoperative support of dressing/garments are also important. I hope this helps.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

It is important to add the necessary support with a bra but this should not be the only factor in determining success. It would be useful to know why the capsulorrhaphy was necessary, for example perhaps the muscle was pushing the implant out of position.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

For all my primary augmentations and all revisions who come to see me, I always use a specific bra 24/7 for 3 months. That way I put the implants in perfect position, the bra holds them perfectly,and you heal them perfectly. I only need to do any revisions once evry 2 years and I do about 200 BA's each year.

Capsulorrhaphy: How critical is it to wear a bra during healing? I did not and one breast bottomed out. (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Underwire bra is helpful after capsulorrhaphy

Answer: Underwire bra is helpful after capsulorrhaphy

Answer: IMO a proper underwire bra is critical 24/7 for 3 months

Answer: IMO a proper underwire bra is critical 24/7 for 3 months

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Capsulorrhaphy: How critical is it to wear a bra during healing? I did not and one breast bottomed out. (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Underwire bra is helpful after capsulorrhaphy

Answer: Underwire bra is helpful after capsulorrhaphy

Answer: IMO a proper underwire bra is critical 24/7 for 3 months

Answer: IMO a proper underwire bra is critical 24/7 for 3 months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.