Components of recovery after mammoplasty surgery
The key role of properly fitting frameless underwear in the late postoperative period
Mammoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures used to correct the shape and volume of the mammary glands. Successful recovery after mammoplasty depends not only on the skill of the surgeon and the quality of the implants, but also on compliance with the recommendations for wearing specialised postoperative underwear.
Volodymyr Pirus, plastic surgeon of the highest category, Master of Medicine, leading surgeon of the Vizit plastic surgery clinic
Natalia Koshelya, founder of the Ukrainian brand of women's underwear Oshe Lingerie, developer of unique lingerie for tired women.
The choice of the right underwear in the late postoperative period plays a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic results of the surgery, as well as in preventing possible complications.
Types of implants
There are three main types of implants used in modern mammoplastic surgery, which differ in their surface: smooth, micro-textured and macrotextured. The choice of implant type is based on the individual anatomical features of the patient and the goals of the surgical intervention.
1. Smooth implants have a low risk of fibrotic capsular contracture but may be more susceptible to displacement due to the lack of texture on the surface. The results of a study conducted by Handel et al. (2016) suggest a reduced risk of contracture in patients with smooth implants, increasing their popularity in cosmetic procedures.
2. Microtextured implants have a loosely textured surface that promotes better attachment to surrounding tissues, minimising the risk of implant displacement. As noted by Mentzelopoulos et al. (2018), this type of implant provides better stability in the postoperative period while providing a more natural appearance.
3. Macrotextured implants maximise implant fixation due to the significant surface roughness. However, studies have shown an increased risk of developing late seromas during physical activity due to the textured surface and a greater likelihood of lymphoma.
The role of compression underwear in the early postoperative period
In the early postoperative period, wearing compression underwear is an essential part of the mammoplasty recovery protocol. Compression underwear helps to stabilise implants, reducing the risk of implant displacement, as well as helping to reduce oedema and lymphatic stasis (Spear et al., 2016). Studies show that the right level of compression helps prevent the formation of seromas and haematomas, speeding up the healing process (Mazzocchi et al., 2017).
Transition to frameless undergarments
Completion of the primary healing phase opens the opportunity to transition to frameless underwear. The timing of the transition is determined by the patient's individual recovery rates, but it usually occurs 4-6 weeks after surgery (Giordano et al., 2018).
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