Numerous plastic surgery procedures require patients to use some sort of compression garment after their surgery. Your plastic surgery clinic might recommend using one after liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or a mommy makeover. They are available in a variety of sizes, brands, styles and for almost any part of your body. Your plastic surgeon will typically recommend wearing compression garments for 24 hours to up to one to three weeks, depending on the procedure.
Benefits of Compression
- Ease Discomfort and Reduce Swelling: Compression garments help minimize post-operation swelling and pain. Constant pressure on healing tissues reduces the build-up of fluid and encourages the body to absorb any fluid that accumulates.
- Aid in the Healing Process: Swelling is your body’s primary reaction after surgery. It builds up fluid to protect the surgery site. Compression reduces the build-up, minimizes bruising and reduces the chance of postoperative bleeding. It also reduces the risk of infection. Similar to a band-aid, compression garments act as a barrier to block out dirt and germs. It helps protect you while you heal. Without compression, the healing process can be considerably longer, which also means the results will take longer to appear.
- Final Outcome: Compression improves the outcome as it helps shape and define your new curves as you heal. The less swelling you have the less time it will take for results to show. Without compression helping your body reabsorb fluid, post-operation swelling can last much longer and delay the overall recovery process.
Types of Compression
- Compression Sleeves: Post-surgical compression sleeves are ideal for patients recovering from brachioplasty (arm lifts). They are sized to fit your new arm size and can vary in length.
- Abdominal Binders: Abdominal binders are typically recommended for patients after abdominoplasty (tummy tucks), or liposuction of the abdomen or flanks.
- Compression Girdle: A compression girdle is a compression garment that covers the stomach, hips and legs. Depending on the surgery, they may extend down to the knees or to the ankle. They are typically given to patients after liposuction of the legs and abdomen, or after a thigh lift.
- Compression Stockings: Compression stockings are typically given to patients after an abdominoplasty to prevent DVT (blood clots in the legs). There is a level of discomfort and reduced mobility during the initial recovery stages of a tummy tuck, meaning an increase in the chance of blood clots. Stockings are a great way to lower this risk to our patients.
Note that we are all different, our bodies react differently to outside stimuli and sources of nutrients. What works for one patient might not work the same for another. Similarly, healing times can vary depending on the individual, type of surgery and overall health. That’s why it is important to talk to a certified Calgary plastic surgeon at Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery to discuss the optimal post-operation healing process that is right for you.
Book a consultation today or call us at (403) 452-7953 for a private one-on-one consolation.