The removal of breast implants, a procedure known as explantation, requires careful post-operative management to promote healing and optimize the final aesthetic outcome. Proper and consistent application of compression is a fundamental part of this recovery process. Using a supportive wrap or garment immediately after surgery is important for managing the body’s response to the surgical changes. This care helps ensure the best possible results following the procedure.
The Role of Post-Surgical Compression
Compression garments and wraps serve several important physiological functions following breast explant surgery. Applying consistent, gentle pressure helps minimize the accumulation of post-operative edema, which is a natural response to tissue trauma. This external pressure also works to eliminate the “dead space” left once the implant is removed, preventing fluid collection. Preventing this fluid collection, specifically seroma and hematoma formation, is a primary goal of compression therapy.
Consistent support aids in stabilizing the remaining soft tissue and the delicate surgical site, which helps reduce discomfort from movement. Compression is instrumental in encouraging skin retraction, allowing the skin envelope, which was stretched by the implant, to gently conform to the smaller volume of the natural breast tissue. This process of skin tightening is a major factor in achieving a satisfactory final result after the explant.
Necessary Materials for Breast Wrapping
The materials used for breast wrapping usually fall into two main categories: elastic bandaging for immediate post-operative use and specialized compression garments for longer-term support. The most common elastic wrap is the Ace bandage, which provides adjustable and firm pressure over the chest area. This type of wrap is typically applied in the operating room or recovery unit immediately after the procedure.
Many surgeons provide a dedicated surgical compression binder or a specialized, front-clasping compression bra. These garments are designed with medical-grade materials to apply even pressure across the surgical area. Sterile gauze pads or non-adhesive dressings are also necessary to protect the incision sites underneath the wrap or garment, especially if a drain is present. The specific type and size of materials should always be the ones recommended by the surgical team.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compression Application
The technique for applying a compression wrap must be executed according to the surgeon’s specific instructions. Before wrapping, ensure the incision sites are covered with the recommended protective dressing to prevent the wrap from directly irritating the wound. If using an elastic bandage like an Ace wrap, the process often begins by anchoring the wrap around the rib cage just beneath the breast fold.
From the anchor point, the wrap is then applied in a continuous, overlapping pattern that covers the entire breast mound. A common technique involves a “figure-eight” pattern, where the wrap alternates between going under one breast and over the opposite shoulder. During the critical first few days, some surgeons may instruct a top-down application to gently guide the remaining breast tissue into a desired teardrop or lower profile shape.
The tension of the wrap should be firm enough to prevent movement and provide support, but never so tight that it causes pain, numbness, or restricts breathing. Each layer should overlap the previous one by about half its width to ensure smooth, uniform pressure without creating wrinkles or ridges that could irritate the skin. The final end of the wrap must be secured firmly with clips or tape so it does not unravel, which would compromise the compression.
Monitoring and Transitioning Away from Wrapping
The initial period of continuous, tight wrapping is typically required for the first few days up to one week following the surgery. For instance, some protocols require the use of the initial Ace wrap for only 24 to 48 hours, while others may extend this to seven days or until the surgical drains are removed. After this, the patient usually transitions to a specialized surgical bra that maintains the necessary compression level but offers more comfort and ease of use.
It is necessary to monitor the body closely for signs that the wrap is too tight, which may compromise circulation or nerve function. Symptoms like increasing or severe pain, numbness, tingling in the arms or fingers, or a change in skin color (such as blueness) require immediate readjustment of the wrap’s tension. For hygiene, the wrap or bra is typically removed for a brief shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, as advised by the surgeon, and must be immediately replaced once the chest is gently patted dry. The second phase of support, using the surgical bra, may continue day and night for four to six weeks before a final transition to a comfortable, non-underwire sports bra is permitted.