Stabilizer Band: Does It Make a Difference? (photo)

The band can be very useful in some patients. I use it frequently early on after surgery. I believe it helps keep the implants in potion when there is spams and implants are being pushed up by the muscle. But its use has more to do with technique used in surgery. I do not like to release the lower border of the muscle very much. this gives more muscle coverage to the implant and a better result in my opinion. But it also can cause more spasm of the muscle, this is where the band is helpful. But if used improperly it can cause the implants to bottom out. You should ask your PS to see if they are appropriate for you.

Thank you for your question. If your surgeon recommends a bra strap, they may be wanting to influence the decent of the implants within the breasts over the first six months after surgery as it usually takes several months for the breasts to settle out. If they don't, it might because they are more aggressive with pocket dissection and opening up the lower aspect of the breast, and may want to avoid the bra strap as it may put too much downward pressure.  I would recommend following your surgeon's instructions and follow-up.

Thank you for an excellent question. The use of bra bands or straps after breast augmentation varies among plastic surgeons. There has never been a definitive study that determined whether or not they are effective or necessary. I would say that the biggest determinent of your result will be the technique of your surgeon, and that breast augmentations usually work out quite well. In my practice, I do use a band for the first week after surgery. I believe that it helps stabilize the implant in the early recovery phase and reduces the upwards migration of the implant. This can quicken the post operative phase in that we don't have to wait for the implants to drop and settle as much. As for the long term effect, who knows.

Either way, the best advise that I would give to you would be to follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon.

Best of luck.

Jeff Rockmore

Most breast augmentations end with excellent results.  In my opinion, if the operation is properlyl executed, any external pressure therapy has no influence on the results.

Thank you for the question. This question
is best answered by your surgeon. We have different procedures in
handling post operation treatment. So best to follow up with your
board-certified plastic surgeon and follow his/her recommendations.Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.


An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

I would talk to your PS about your concerns but he/she should not have a problem with it.  I use the band for a lot of my patients with excellent results.  I believe that constant downward pressure helps patients get to their "final" results more quickly than without the band.  Best of luck.

Kindest regards,

Neil J. Zemmel

I dont typically use or need these bands after breast augmentation unless i have performed the surgery through the axilla. I find these bands are very helpful with the trans axillary augmentations. Swelling takes time to resolve. your healing is not complete until 6-9 months after surgery.

I do use a strap often with patients after breast augmentation. Though there is no literature to prove it helps I do see good clinical results with the strap. I have patients use them until they are comfortable with where the implants have settled. I also have them start massage exercises about 10-14 days after surgery to help the implant capsule stay soft in the pocket. I think there are many many different opinions on this topic but I do think it helps. 


 

We almost always use the breast band after augmentation as we feel patients are more comfortable with the implant held securely down in the pocket. Will it make a break the result? Over the long term surgeons have shown it might make little difference with or without. You can get one online, or even use an ace wrap if you wish. Some surgeons even disagree about the need for a bra after augmentation, but if you find the bra and band secure and comfortable go with them.

I personally have never had to use the bands. If the implants are properly places, external means are useless.