Will tape around breasts help lift after dual plane augmentation?

Question

I'm post op day 3 following dual plane BA with sientra 415 cc round implants. Post-op, both breasts were taped circumferentially with thick waterproof tape that creates a cone shape. I was told this is to facilitate a lift with healing (had modest level 1 ptosis or even pseudo ptosis). The tape is to remain for 3 weeks. I am wondering if this sort of bandaging is common to help create an "internal lift?" What benefits does it provide?

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Taping of incisions and the breast are part of what is termed the "art of medicine".  Many of us do it.  This is a good question as for me and my practice, I have gone from taping all incisions to improve the scar to taping few incisions, but taping the breasts for revisions only.  The less taped used, the less blistering and more clean the incisions (since you can look at them, keep them clean, dry them etc.)It is unclear to me if the tape itself will improve a breast augmentation in one with pseudoptosis.  Your surgeon will be willing to explain the use and inquire about removing the tape.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I
personally have never used this technique to lift the breast in a primary (1’st
time) breast augmentation.Although I
haven’t had to do this, I could see myself perhaps taping the lower breast if I
felt I had created a pocket that was too low.I have used taping of the lower breast for secondary (ie after the first
time) breast augmentation patients that had implants sitting too low (also
called ‘bottoming out’) and needed the lower breast fold raised.The tape is used to reinforce the surgical
repair.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Taping breasts after surgery sounds good but actually does little to nothing to give you an internal lift.  I would follow your surgeon's advice.  He or she knows what works for them.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS,FACS

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

You will find that all surgeons have their own particular recipe as to what to do intra-opeartively and post-operatively. Taping the beasts following this type of procedure can be done for  a number of purposes. I have on occasion taped the inframammary fold following a particurlaly difficult re-do in which the IMF has been previously displaced upwards or downwards. Taping helps to protect and re-enforce what I have done internally in order to correct a previous asymmetrical fold. Sometimes the tapes are applied to help shape the pocket. Whatever the case may be, taping for that period of time will allow the casule to form and be stabilized during the process.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You certainly should do whatever your plastic surgeon prescribes.I personally don't think fit taking has any useful role in the convalescent process after breast augmentation And lift.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Nonetheless, as Dr. Capizzi stated, you're experiencing first hand the art of medicine.  A lot of what is done is based on non-scientific beliefs that we hold based on training, experience, and instinct.For revisions where a lot of adjustment of the implant pocket has occurred, and where successful outcomes are hard to predict because failure of the repair to hold in weak tissues, additional support through taping, straps, bras, and etc is much more likely to be suggested.In my opinion, taping the breasts to create an internal lift to address pseudoptosis and doing so for only 3 weeks has minimal practical or scientific basis.  Furthermore, the high likelihood of skin problems resulting from use of tape for that long would discourage me from adopting this practice.As a board certified physician yourself, you know well the dramatic difference in personalities and attitudes among physicians, particularly doctors focusing exclusively on elective plastic surgery procedures.  I think your situation highlights the need to carefully select the PHYSICIAN FIRST and foremost to ensure compatibility and trust in their recommendations and to fully understand the reasoning behind the decisions made.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

Your long term result is most affected by the internal work and selection of appropriate implant.  External taping is a less powerful technique, but can sometimes help turn a good result into a great result.

Peter Bridge, MD · Answer

It is very important that you follow the instructions and advice of your plastic surgeon and follow his/her protocols. Although I do not tape my breast augmentations, I do not see how it would cause any harm.  You should be careful that irritation does not occur.  If it does contact your surgeon right away. Good luck.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

As you trusted your surgeon to do your surgery, you should also trust his post operative instructions. Many surgeons do things differently, and usually there is no clear evidence that one way is better than another. But since this seems to work for your surgeon, I would advise against accepting advice from surgeons who have never seen you.All the best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Given that online consultants do not you know your situation intimately enough, it is difficult to second-guess your plastic surgeon, who does. Best to follow his instructions/protocol. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Will tape around breasts help lift after dual plane augmentation?

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