How long do I need to wear chest binder after explant 18 days ago? (photos)

Post op protocols will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Your best resource for guidance is your surgeon.That being said, most recommend some form of compression or support garment for 6-8 weeks. The goal of compression to eliminate dead space and facilitate adherence of the tissue layers. Post explantation and capsulectomy patients will have a tendency to collect fluid in the space once occupied by the implant. Drains and compression can help mitigate this risk.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Good morning!After En Bloc Capsulectomy / Explant, I have my patients wear a tight compression bra, not a binder, for 12 weeks, 24/7. In this manner I prevent seroma formation and get the skin to "shrink back down" to its previous size and shape!

Because PSs differ in their post-operative protocols, I recommend that you follow those of the surgeon who performed your breast explant/capsulectomy.  Some PSs will recommend wearing a sports bra for about six weeks, starting immediately after surgery.  Address your concerns with your PS who can possibly recommend a more comfortable garment.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  For most of my patients I only ask that they wear the garment for 2 weeks time but each practitioner will have their own specific recommendations. I would voice your concerns to your surgeon to see if your time can be reduced, or an alternative garment can be recommended. 

Seroma - after explanation- is a real risk. Usually, the Surgeon will remove part or all of the capsule, which can help minimize the formation of a seroma. However, the best method I have found to deal with seroma formation after explanation - is constant and prolonged compression.There are multiple post-op compression garments such as vest, or binders that your Doctor's office can recommend  to you. Realizing that this may be uncomfortable and inconvenient it must weighed against the risk of seroma formation. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this situation. If a patient wishes to discard the compression concept - then they will accept the prolonged risk of seroma formation. 

Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Every plastic surgeon has his/her own postoperative protocol and recommendations for postoperative care. So answers here will vary. Wearing a compression garment collapses the dead spaces (i.e., the spaces that your implants once occupied)---which may reduce the risk of fluid collection in those spaces. It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the best results. For that reason, you should ask your plastic surgeon directly. Best of luck!

Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Your surgeon is your best resource for how long to wear your compression garment, as opinions vary.  However there are many types of compression garments on the market.  I encourage you to discuss your comfort concerns with your surgeon.  It may be that a sports bra or some other type of compression can be used during your recovery.

I usually have my patients wear a good sports bra for 12 weeks following explant.  The cotton bras are more comfortable and work just as well as other compression garments.