Does a Shoelace Work for Breast Dropping Below the Fold?

I am sorry that is happening to you. I have never used a shoelace for dropping implants. There is some evidence that wearing a bra which outlines the breast with wires worn early after surgery can help to reinforce the position of the implants. A company online called "thongbra" makes one which is helpful in supporting implant position particularly if they are too close together. Even if you end up needing another surgery to improve the position, it is advisable to wait at least a few months before doing it. So in the meantime, why not give one of these methods a shot.

  Although placing a shoelace under the breast at the IMF may be something that was suggested, I have never used that method.  Taping the fold at the IMF may be used as well.  Kenneth Hughes, MD breast augmentation Los Angeles, CA

Hello.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Without physical examination and photos to be able to analyze the problem, it is hard to be provide you with a possible solution to what you are experiencing.

As for the "shoelace" trick, I do not believe that I have heard of it before. I recommend that you communicate your problem with your surgeon for further clarification of his/her "shoelace" recommendation.

I hope this helps and the best of luck to you.

Dr. Sajjadian

I assume that one of the breast implants is lower than the other. It is possible to get the inframammary fold to stabilize and even to move a bit higher with this technique, if it’s started early after surgery. Make sure your surgeon thoroughly explains to you how to do this properly.

I have never heard of this nor have I recommended it. Photographs at this stage would be helpful.

I am sorry to hear that this is occurring, but now that you are a few weeks into recovery there are some measures to assist you for the near future.  The cause of this problem is surgical over dissection of the breast fold when placing the implant.  Most plastic surgeons place implants slighly high on the chest to avoid this problem, and allow the implant to slowly come down into the fold with message techniques.  The other cause is under dissection above the fold resulting in what we call "double bubble" of the breast and implant.  I have never heard of a shoelace being used, but good bra and taping of the skin fold can help at this early stage.  Learn these techniques even if you need a second opinion.  You will still likely need a revision surgery, but please wait a few months until you procede in that direction. Good Luck

If a shoelace works to prevent or correct bottoming out, then that is a new one for me. If it happens early post-op sometimes a "thong-type" bra can be used to keep the fold compressed against the chest as the pocket heals.

Never heard of this before???

You may want to ask your doctor about a supportive bra.  Ultimately, a revision may be needed, however it is too early to tell for sure.  To be sure, you mention no details of the procedure, so I can't give you any more information than that.

 

sek

I have not heard of this particular technique. I think easier would be an underwire bra that supports at the breast fold. Were you my patient I would want to see it in place to make sure it is doing what I want.

It is still early enough, since the capsule around the implant has not fully formed, to support the breast in the desired position and to have a reasonable chance of not having "bottoming out" occur, but if you wait too long you may lose this window of opportunity. 

I couldn't tell you that a shoestring wouldn't work, but I would favor a device that is used in a manner for which it was made.

Thanks and best wishes.

I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety you are experiencing after breast augmentation surgery. The "technique” you describe is not  one that I am familiar with or use in my practice. You will be best off asking your plastic surgeon directly if he has had success with this treatment modality.

 I do not think that you have yourself or your activity level to “blame”  for any breast implant displacement that is occurring.

 Sorry, cannot be more helpful without viewing pictures or direct consultation.