Compression Garment Benefits After Undergoing Body Contouring Surgery
We at Tarrant Plastic Surgery pride ourselves on answering all questions and addressing all concerns. When patients in the greater Fort Worth area come to us, we listen and we help. This goes for cosmetic fat reduction surgeries such as liposuction as well as advanced anti-aging surgeries such as the facelift and cosmetic eyelid surgery.
Many of our body contouring patients have asked us about the post-surgical healing process. One thing involved in all this is the use of compression garments. Let's go over the basics of compression garments right now.
What is a compression garment?
A compression garment is a special kind of undergarment that patients wear after they undergo a body contouring surgery. They are most commonly worn after a patient undergoes abdominal liposuction or lipo around the hips and sides, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), and surgeries that address the chest or breasts.
Compression garments are usually made of spandex blends so that they fit snugly around a patient's frame to provide support as the patient heals.
Are compression garments comfortable?
Yes.
While compression garments are snug, they are carefully made so that they are not too tight around the patient's frame. In addition, the compression garments are made of breathable materials to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible when they are wearing their compression garment.
Benefit #1: Compression Garments Offer Support
After undergoing a body contouring surgery, your compression garment will provide your torso and abdominal area with ample support as you heal. This keeps skin and other tissues that may have been affected by your surgery in the right place, preventing shifting and movement that may affect the healing process.
Benefit #2: Compression Garments Provide a Sense of Psychological Comfort
Patients who wear compression garments often report that they feel a greater sense of psychological comfort simply by having the compression garment on. This sense of calmness can improve the overall recovery process since patients feel more at ease.
Benefit #3: Compression Garments Help Reduce Swelling
Patients who wear their compression garments report less swelling overall as they heal when compared to patients who do not wear compression garments.
While these are anecdotal bits of evidence, they are significant to consider. Taken together with the support and psychological comfort of the compression garments and you have a generally more pleasant healing process after a surgery has been performed.
How long will I wear my compression garment?
This can vary based on the patient and the extent of the surgery.
Generally, a compression garment is worn for around two weeks, though in some cases it may be worn for a month. Your surgeon will be sure to go over the recovery process with you in more detail, helping you select a compression garment and instructing you on its proper use as well.
What else should I know about healing after body contouring surgery?
While compression garments are helpful, compression garments alone aren't going to guarantee quick and proper healing. It's imperative that patients follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the letter. This reduces the chances of serious complications occurring and minimizes the severity of any common side effects following the surgery.
Schedule a Consultation for Body Contouring Surgery
For more information about compression garments and your many options out there for advanced aesthetic enhancement and cosmetic revision, be sure to contact our skin care and plastic surgery center today. The team at Tarrant Plastic Surgery looks forward to your visit and helping you understand all of your options available.
