AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY POSTOPERATIVE SYSTEM

Abstract

A post-operative breast support system is provided for use following augmentation mammoplasty to prevent or correct implant migration. The support system includes a pair of straps which extend over the patient's shoulders, then cross one another at the patient's chest, then extend under opposite left and right breasts, then around the patient's back in opposite directions, and then forwardly around the torso to the front of the patient, wherein the ends of the straps are fastened or buckled. The straps have a width which prevents twisting. The fastener is adjustable, such that the tension and position of the straps can be quickly and easily set by the patient.

Claims

1. A support system for use following augmentation mammoplasty, comprising: first and second straps adapted to extend vertically from a position adjacent the patient's shoulder blades over opposite shoulders of the patient, and then cross the other adjacent the patient's chest, and then under the inframammary crease of the left and right breasts, and then around the patient's back in opposite horizontal directions and back to a position on the front of the patient; a coupler for securing the straps together on the front of the patient; and a ring slidably mounted on both straps at a position centered laterally between and adjacent the breasts.

2. The support system of claim 1 wherein each strap has a rear end, a shoulder portion, a front portion, an inframammary portion, a back portion, a chest portion and a front end.

3. The support system of claim 2 wherein the front ends of the straps are releasably joined by the coupler.

4. The support system of claim 3 wherein the coupler is adjustable.

5. The support system of claim 1 wherein the coupler is adjustable.

6. (canceled)

7. The support system of claim 1 wherein the straps have a width of approximately 1 inch.

8. The support system of claim 1 wherein the straps are free from a portion configured to extending around the back of the patient's neck.

9. The support system of claim 1 further comprises material attached to the straps and forming bra cups.

10. A post-operative support system for a patient who has undergone breast augmentation surgery, comprising: a first strap having a rear end, a shoulder portion, a chest portion, a breast portion, a back portion and a front end; a second strap having a rear end, a shoulder portion, chest portion a breast portion, a back portion and a front end; the rear ends of straps having loops through which at least one of the back portions slidably extend horizontally with the back portions oriented substantially parallel to one another; the front ends of the straps being adapted to extend in opposite directions around the patient's torso from back to front for coupling together; and the chest portions of the first and second straps crossing one another.

11. The post-operative support system of claim 10 further comprising a male coupler on one of the front ends and a female coupler on the other of the front ends, with the male and female coupler being releasably coupled to join the front ends at a location below the breast portions.

12. The post-operative support system of claim 11 wherein the couplers are adjustably mounted on the front ends of the straps.

13. The post-operative support system of claim 10 further comprising a ring slidably mounted on the first and second straps at a junction between the shoulder portions and the breast portions.

14. (canceled)

15. The post-operative support system of claim 10 wherein the back portions are configured one vertically above the other.

16. The post-operative support system of claim 10 wherein the back portions are vertically spaced apart from one another.

17. The post-operative support system of claim 10 further comprising bra cups on the breast portions of the first and second straps.

18-22. (canceled)

23. A strap assembly for a patient following breast augmentation surgery, the patient having opposite left and right shoulders, shoulder blades, and breasts, and a torso defining a front and back of the patient, the strap assembly comprising: a first elongated strap adapted to extend continuously from a first end adjacent the right shoulder blade, over the right shoulder, under the left breast around the patient's back and to a second end adjacent the patent's front; a second elongated strap adapted to extend continuously from a first end adjacent the left shoulder blade, over the left shoulder, under the right breast around the patient's back and to a second end adjacent the patient's front; a fastener for securing the second ends of the straps; and the first end of each strap being coupled to the other strap behind the patient's back.

24. The strap assembly of claim 23 further comprising a ring through which each strap is adapted to extends between the breasts.

25. (canceled)

26. The strap assembly of claim 23 wherein the straps are adapted to extend horizontally around the patient's back and are vertically spaced from one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the straps support system of the present invention, as worn on a patient following augmentation mammoplasty surgery.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a view from the back of the patient wearing the support system of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the support system.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the system.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment wherein the support system is formed as part of a bra.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the support system shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The augmentation mammoplasty post-operative support system of the present invention is generally designated in the drawings by the reference numeral 10. The support system 10 includes first and second straps 12, 14 which generally extend in opposite directions from one another when the system 10 is worn by a patient. Each strap 12, 14 has opposite ends. In the preferred embodiment, the first end of 16 of each strap 12, 14 is folded over and stitched to itself so as to form an upper loop 18 and a lower loop 20 through which the straps extend, as shown in FIG. 2. As an alternative to the dual loops 18, 20, the ends 16 may include a single loop or a ring for receiving the straps 12, 14. The second end 22 of each strap 12, 14 includes a fastener or coupler 24, which may take any convenient form. As shown in the drawings, the fastener 24 is a clip or buckle with a male member 26 adapted to be releasably inserted into a female member 28. Alternatively, the fastener can be Velcro straps or another device which can quickly and easily connect and disconnect the ends 22 of the straps 12, 14. The strap ends 22 can be adjustably extended through the male and female members 26, 28. An adjustment retainer 30 is utilized in conjunction with the female member 28 to maintain the strap end 22 in the desired adjusted position.

[0020] When the support system 10 is worn by the patient, the first ends 16 are on the patient's back, with each strap standing upwardly to define a shoulder portion 32 extending over the patient's left and right shoulders. The straps 12, 14 then cross one another in front of the patient's chest, and then extend beneath the right and left breasts to define an inframammary portion 34 of the straps 12, 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The straps then continue in opposite directions rearwardly around the patient's back, defining back portions 36 of each strap 12, 14. The back portion 36 of the first strap 12 extends through the upper loops 18, while the back portion 38 of the second strap 14 extends through the lower loops 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The straps then extend forwardly around the patient's torso, such that the second ends 22 can be secured together by the fastener 24. In the preferred embodiment, the chest portion 40 of the straps 12, 14 extend through an adjustable ring 42 so that the point where the straps cross one another can be raised or lower by the patient. The ring 42 has a cross bar 44 to prevent accidental movement of the ring 42 after the ring position is set.

[0021] The loops 18, 20, or alternative structures, through which the back portions 36, 38 of the straps 12, 14 extend, prevent the straps from twisting and tangling. Another alternative fixes the back portions 36, 38 to the ends 16, by stitching or other means, thus eliminating the loops 18, 20, but still preventing twisting of the straps. The ring 42 also keeps the straps from twisting and maintains the straps flat against the patient's skin. Preferably, the straps are approximately 1 inch in width to prevent pressure points on the patient's skin, and to minimize or eliminate any tendency for twisting.

[0022] Once the support system 10 is on the patient, with the fastener 24 secured or locked, the tension of the straps 12, 14 and the position of the straps relative to the inframammary fold can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the second ends 22 of the straps via the buckles 26, 28 of the fastener 24.

[0023] The support system 10 does not extend around the patient's neck, but rather goes over the shoulders for a more comfortable fit. The fastener or buckle 24 allows the patient to quickly put the strap system 10 on and off. Material may be added to the straps to form a bra 46 with cups, as shown in FIGS. 5 & 6. The straps may be on the inside or outside of the bra material. The material may form only the cups, or may also extend on the wearer's back, as seen in FIG. 7. The straps and bra configuration may still have the sliding ring 42 for adjustment.

[0024] The support system 10 can be used in early post-operative periods for the purpose of non-surgical correction or prevention of undesirable deformities that sometimes occur after augmentation mammoplasty. The support system 10 supports and repositions the implant into the desired position during the post-operative period. The support system can be used while the dense scar tissue around the implants forms. The inframammary position of the straps is guided by the preferred eventual position of the implant. The strap preferably should be positioned just below the inferior edge of the scar around the implant. Once the scar tissue matures, and is strong enough to secure the implant in place, the support system does not need to be worn by the patient.

[0025] Thus, the support system 10 can be used as a non-operative method of repositioning and casting of misplaced implants, thereby correcting post-operative deformities in a simple and safe manner, without the need for follow up surgery. The support system 10 allows for quick and easy placement on the torso, with adjustable straps as needed for height and tension. The comfort of the shoulder strap portions 32 improve compliance by the patient, as compared to a neck strap which can produce pain and discomfort.

[0026] The invention has been shown and described above with the preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.