According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Americans spent $16.5 billion on cosmetic surgery procedures in 2018. While selecting a qualified surgeon is an important step in the cosmetic surgery process; postoperative care is also necessary for a successful outcome. Compression garments are used during the healing process following many cosmetic surgeries. Numerous styles of compression apparel and tools are available. Learn more about compression garments, and how they work in the following sections.
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What is A Compression Garment and How Does It Work
A compression garment is a tool that is highly recommended or prescribed by plastic surgeons to patients recovering from cosmetic surgery. Often made from polyester and spandex-like materials, surgical compression garments are used to help strengthen and protect the skin, muscles and tissues that has been affected by plastic surgery. A variety of compression garments are available to consumers for fitness, general heath, and post surgical needs, so be sure you’re getting the highest quality surgical grade compression apparel for your post cosmetic surgery healing.
Worn for a variety of reasons following surgery, compression gear is often used to help minimize and reduce swelling and bruising. Wearing a compression garment can also help the skin and muscles stay smooth and toned post operation. Doing so will help ensure cosmetic alterations look as natural as possible.
Unwanted shifting associated with some plastic surgeries such as breast implants, liposuction, and tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) can be greatly reduced if a compression garment is properly worn. For example, following some abdominoplasty surgeries, not only has excess skin been removed from the abdominal region, the muscles may have been tightened by the procedure as well. A compression belt or garment can aid the necessary stabilization for proper recovery.
Your post surgery comfort can be affected and recovery time can quicken if you wear your compression garment as recommended by your cosmetic surgeon. Compression garments can be worn 24 hours a day the first few days after major surgeries. Patients continue to wear compression apparel for support throughout the day for several weeks to two months. Compression garments can be worn while sleeping for comfort and stabilization. Your plastic surgeon or support staff should review your plastic surgery recovery information which contains the specifics on how often and how long a compression garment should be worn to optimize surgical results.
Types of Compression Garments
No matter what type of plastic surgery you have, a compression garment can play an important role in the recovery process. Compression apparel can reduce swelling, support skin and muscles, and increase one’s mobility after cosmetic surgery.
- Breast Augmentation or Implants: Chest compression vest or band
- Facelifts: Facial Wrap
- Liposuction: Depends on location of liposuction
- Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty): Abdominal or full length garment or girdle
- Thigh or Knee Lift: Compression pant or knee cuff
- Brachioplasty (Arm Reduction): Arm Sleeves
- Breast Reduction or Gynecomastia: Chest compression top or vest
Where Do I Get My Compression Garment
You surgical staff will inform you on the type of compression garment that is necessary for your recovery. You will need to have the garment the day of the operation so be prepared with the correct garment in the correct size. Compression garments can be ordered online or found at specialty shops or medical supply stores. Some doctor’s offices and hospitals also carry compression garments and supply them as part of your surgery.
Consult You Plastic Surgeon
Your plastic surgeon’s office should be able to recommend online or local resources for the type of compression garment you need. Be sure to ask your doctor or care staff plenty of questions about your preparing for surgery and postoperative care. The staff at Dr. Ganchi’s office can guide you through your post surgical needs.