July 28, 2023A compression garment is a type of clothing worn by patients following surgery that is critical to speeding up the recovery and ensuring the body heals correctly. Typically, they are made from nylon and elastic, and are very comfortable to wear and easy to clean.
Many of the body contouring procedures we offer at North Texas Plastic Surgery – including breast surgeries, liposuction, and body lifts – will require you to wear a compression garment. Some patients ask us how to optimally use their compression garments. We will discuss some of the general directions we give our patients on how to manage these garments but there may also be some specific instructions your surgeon will provide you before the procedure day.
Why Do I Need To Wear My Post-Op Compression Garment?
Compression garments essentially hold your body in place as it heals. They ensure that skin does not sag, blood clots do not form, and they also manage side effects such as discomfort, swelling, and bruising. These garments can aid in blood circulation, which is important for preventing blood clots.
Compression garments also allow patients to be relatively mobile as they heal and protects them from injuring the treated area.
How Long Do I Need To Wear My Post-Op Compression Garment For?
Your experienced plastic surgeon will provide you with the exact directions of when and how to wear your post-op compression garment. However, here are some general guidelines we give to our patients.
You will wear your compression garment from the moment your surgery is completed. You will wear it (or potentially a full-body compression suit, in rare instances) as you exit our office but may need a friend or family member to help you return home.
For most surgeries, you will wear your garment 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the first three weeks after the procedure, and then 12 hours a day for the following three weeks.
You will need to wear it as tightly as possible for best results. During your initial consultation, we will demonstrate the right way to wear and tighten the compression garment so you are ready when the time comes.
What Happens If I Do Not Wear My Compression Garment?
If you do not wear your post-op compression garment as directed by our medical team, you run the risk of not healing properly and developing certain complications, such as blood clots. Your treatment areas are also unprotected and could potentially be at risk of injury if you are not careful.
Do I Need Additional Pairs of Garments?
For most body contouring and breast surgeries, you may want an additional backup pair of post-op compression garments. Soilage is quite normal with these surgeries and it is beneficial to have a second pair. You can purchase additional garments in our office.
Our staff will ensure you are prepared for your recovery and have everything you need. If you have any additional questions about wearing your compression garments, please do not hesitate to ask. These garments are meant to assist your healing and make your post-operative recovery more comfortable.
