Undergoing plastic surgery is a major decision that requires proper aftercare and recovery. Compression garments are specially designed clothing items that have been essential in promoting healing and minimizing post-surgery discomfort.
Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is committed to personalized care and optimal results, using compression garments as a healing technique. Here, we will delve deeper into what exactly compression garments are, how they work during recovery and why they are crucial for optimal results after plastic surgery.
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What Are Compression Garments?
Compression garments are specialized medical apparel designed to apply consistent pressure to the body, primarily used after surgical procedures. They are made from elastic materials that contour the body, helping to reduce swelling, support healing tissues and enhance blood flow. These garments come in various forms, including socks, sleeves, bras and full-body suits, each tailored to target specific areas of the body.
Benefits of Compression Garments After Plastic Surgery
Compression garments are important in the recovery process following plastic surgery, including procedures such as breast enhancement, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and other body contouring surgeries. Here’s an in-depth look at the vital role they play.
Reducing Swelling and Bruising
After surgery, it’s common for the body to react by swelling in the treated area. Compression garments apply steady pressure to the surgical site, which helps reduce the body’s natural swelling response and minimizes bruising. This compression after surgery helps to evacuate the excess fluid that accumulates post-surgery more efficiently.
Improving Blood Circulation
Good circulation is essential for healing, as it ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the surgical site while also facilitating the removal of waste products. Compression garments help maintain optimal blood flow by applying uniform pressure, which can accelerate the healing process.
Supporting and Stabilizing
Post-surgery compression garments support the surgical areas, helping maintain the desired contours and shape as the body heals. For instance, after a tummy tuck or liposuction, these garments help the skin adhere to the underlying tissues, preventing fluid accumulation and assisting in the retraction and tightening of the skin.
Reducing the Risk of Seroma Formation
A seroma is a pocket of clear bodily fluid that sometimes develops after surgery. The pressure from compression garments helps prevent the formation of seromas by closing the empty spaces left in the body, thereby reducing the likelihood of fluid accumulation.
Enhancing Comfort and Mobility
Although it might seem counterintuitive, wearing compression garments can increase comfort during recovery. They provide a sense of security and support, allowing individuals to move around more easily and with less pain. This support is crucial for preventing injury to the surgical site and can make the recovery period more comfortable.
Aiding in Skin Retraction
This is especially relevant in surgeries where large amounts of fat are removed, such as liposuction. Compression garments aid in the process of skin retraction. The compression after surgery encourages the skin to adjust to its new contours, which is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.
Choosing the Right Compression Garment
Various compression garments exist for different procedures — such as breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks — to support your recovery. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations, as they may suggest a particular brand or style.
Whatever compression garment you go with, the fit is crucial. It should be snug and supportive but never painful. If it restricts your breathing or circulation, it’s too tight. Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart and take current measurements to find the perfect fit.
Here are some additional features to look for:
- Coverage over the entire surgical area
- Breathable, medical-grade fabric for comfort
- Front zippers or adjustable hooks for convenience
How to Wear Compression Garments Properly
Understanding the proper use, fit, and care of compression garments is crucial for their effectiveness in the post-surgery recovery process. Wearing compression garments incorrectly can lead to discomfort, skin irritation and circulatory problems.
Duration of Use
Following surgery, it is typically recommended that compression garments be worn continuously (24 hours a day, removed only for showering) for the first two to four weeks during the initial intensive phase. This period is crucial for managing swelling and supporting tissue healing.
After this phase, we may advise wearing the garment for part of the day (e.g., 12 hours daily) for an additional few weeks during the gradual reduction phase, which supports ongoing healing while accommodating increased activity levels. The total duration for wearing compression garments can range from four to eight weeks, depending on the procedure and individual healing rates. In some cases, extended wear beyond eight weeks might be recommended for optimal results.
Fit and Comfort
Fit and comfort are crucial when it comes to compression garments. Proper sizing is essential to ensure the garment is effective without causing circulation issues or an uncomfortable indentation from compression garments. Measurements should be taken to ensure the garment provides the correct level of compression. As swelling reduces and your body shape changes during recovery, adjustments may be needed to maintain the appropriate compression level, so regular check-ins with your health care provider are important.
While compression garments are designed to be snug, they should not cause pain or significant discomfort. Choosing garments made from soft, breathable fabric can help prevent irritation. If you experience skin numbness, tingling or indentation from compression garments, they may be too tight and should be adjusted for better comfort.
Care and Maintenance
Regular washing is crucial for maintaining hygiene and skin health when using compression garments. These garments are typically designed for easy washing and drying, but following the manufacturer’s care instructions is essential to preserve their elasticity and compression levels.
Multiple compression garments are often recommended so that you can continue to wear one while the other is being washed, ensuring continuous support during recovery. Additionally, investing in high-quality, durable compression garments is essential, as cheaper alternatives may quickly lose elasticity and become less effective.
Adjusting or Replacing the Garment
You may need to adjust or replace your garment as your body heals because swelling will go down. Your initial garment may become loose after the first couple of weeks. Once it no longer feels snug and supportive, it’s time for a smaller size to maintain effective compression.
Also, with constant wear and washing, the fabric of your compression garment can naturally lose its elasticity. If it starts to feel stretched out, you’ll need to replace it.
Either way, consult your surgeon before changing sizes. They can assess your garment and guide you in adjusting or replacing it based on your healing progress.
Addressing Common Concerns and Questions
We have compiled a few of the most common questions we get about compression garments. Browse them or reach out to us for more information.
While compression garments can feel snug, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable. They can initially feel strange, but most patients quickly get used to them and find them comforting.
Your compression garment should feel snug and supportive around your treatment area. If it makes it hard to breathe or causes sharp pain or numbness, it is too tight.
A proper fit for a compression garment should provide even pressure across the entire surgical area. You should be able to breathe comfortably without restriction. The garment should also lie flat against the skin without rolling, bunching or creating indentations.
To test the garment, slide two fingers under the edge. If it can fit your whole hand, it’s too loose, and if it’s a struggle to get one finger underneath, it’s too tight.
Your specific garment schedule will vary depending on your procedure. Initially, your compression garment should be worn 24/7, only taking it off to shower. Otherwise, only take breaks according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Maximize Your Plastic Surgery Recovery With Us in Tampa, FL
At Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, you will find a comprehensive range of services tailored to your plastic surgery needs. We understand the importance of post-operative care, so we highly recommend using compression garments for your recovery. Whether you’re undergoing liposuction, a tummy tuck, breast surgery or even a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), these garments are essential for reducing swelling, improving circulation and supporting your new contours.
To ensure you receive the best care and achieve optimal results, we invite you to contact us online or call (813) 703-6216 for a personalized consultation.
