Breast implants at the time of surgery are placed in a tight pocket much like a ‘hand in glove’, however, there are two forces acting on the implant. The first, is that there is the effect of gravity which can cause the implant to move down (less common if the implants are under the muscle) or move out towards the armpit (when you lie on your back). The second, is the action of the muscle and if the implant is under the muscle movement of the arm and especially the chest like heavy exercise can move the implant down and out. This is not only a problem for round implants but also tear drop implants which can rotate and this can create a very abnormal appearance.
After breast augmentation surgery at Esteem Aesthetics, a compression garment, otherwise referred to as a sports bra, serves as an external device to help support the implant for the month after surgery in the position in which it was placed, preventing its displacement or movement into the wrong position. This is not absolute and must therefore be combined with reduced physical activity for the weeks after surgery in the post op recovery period. No heavy exercise or upper body work is generally allowed for the first six weeks after breast implants surgery.
The sports bra help achieve gentle compression and therefore assists with swelling and the healing process in the first few weeks as the implants settle into their final position and the breast shape changes.
How long do I wear the compression bra for?
– In general, the longer the better: the body produces a capsule around the implant and wound strength and scarring increases in the first six to eight weeks. Therefore in these first six to eight weeks in particular, abnormal forces or movement can shift the implant into an abnormal position
– We therefore recommend wearing a sports bra full time for 6 to 8 weeks. This is combined with no upper body exercise for the same period to allow as little movement of the implant in this early healing period.
– It is also wise to wear the sports bra at night for as long as possible and we suggest patients to do this for at least 1 year post surgery.
For more information on Breast Augmentation Surgery click here or contact us.