Wearing an appropriate compression garment after your body contouring surgery is one of the most effective ways to ensure you achieve your ideal results. The primary objective behind wearing post-operative compression garments is to support the tissues, ensuring they heal in the correct positions while minimising swelling. Following surgical procedures like a tummy tuck, the elevated tissue and the abdominal wall often separate, creating a potential space. This phenomenon is also observed in lift surgeries and liposuction procedures, where a gap forms between the underlying tissue and the skin.
Compression garments are vital in bridging this gap by holding the skin and tissue together. This compression facilitates a quicker and more efficient healing process, effectively reducing pain and swelling. Furthermore, it acts as a preventive measure against the accumulation of fluids in the surgical space, which could otherwise have adverse effects on your surgical outcomes.
Using compression garments appropriately and consistently is key to seeing the most benefits. Here is a guide to how compression garments work and how to use them effectively after surgery.
How Compression Garments Help
Compression garments apply gentle, even pressure to the affected area. This pressure offers several benefits that aid healing:
Reduces Swelling – The pressure helps prevent excessive fluid buildup and swelling around incisions or surgical sites. Less swelling means less pain and discomfort.
Supports Muscles and Tissue – The compression helps support and stabilise muscles and tissue as they heal after being cut or manipulated during surgery. This can reduce pain and speed up recovery.
Improves Circulation – Gentle pressure helps circulate blood flow and reduces pooling. This brings fresh nutrients and oxygen to aid healing.
Reduces Risk of Blood Clots – Compressing the veins can lower the risk of postoperative blood clots forming in the legs or arms. Proper circulation reduces clotting chances.
Minimises Scarring – The compression can help minimise scarring by reducing fluid buildup and swelling. Less inflammation means fewer prominent, troublesome scars.
When to Start Using Compression
It’s best to use compression after surgery once dressings or bandages are in place. The compression garment helps reinforce and maintain the position of these dressings. Most surgeons recommend wearing compression wraps or garments around the clock for 48-72 hours after surgery. Follow your surgeon’s specific instructions on when to begin wearing compression garments.
If dressings need to be changed during this period, briefly remove the garment to access the dressings, then replace it immediately. Keep compressing the affected limb continuously to see the best results.
Types of Compression Garments
There are many types of compression garments suitable for use after different surgical procedures:
Compression Stockings support the bones, muscles, and ligaments in your feet, helping to protect you from overuse injuries.
Compression Arm Sleeves are worn on the arms after procedures like arm lift. These sleeves provide stability by protecting the alignment of the elbow or the knee.
Compression Shirts and Bodysuits help heal after tummy tucks, liposuction, or c-sections. These offer gentle compression around the torso.
The level of compression used post-surgery ranges from light (15-20 mmHg) to moderate (20-30 mmHg) to firm (30-40 mmHg). Your doctor will recommend the ideal compression level based on your procedure.
Caring for Your Compression Garment
To see optimal results, you’ll need to care for your garments properly:
- Carefully follow the laundering recommendations provided for your specific compression garment. Many of these garments require hand washing to preserve their integrity and effectiveness.
- Refrain from applying lotions or creams under the compression garment. These products can have an adverse effect on the material over time, potentially compromising its performance.
- If you experience new or unusual pain, notice significant changes in swelling, or observe signs of poor circulation while wearing the compression garment, you must contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance and address any potential issues to support your recovery effectively.
Compression garments can help heal after many surgical procedures. When worn correctly, they can help you recover faster and more comfortably. Work closely with your surgeon to choose the suitable garment and use it consistently for optimal results. Be sure to speak up about any concerns or questions as you progress through the healing process.
