One of the most common post-op recovery recommendations post body contouring in NYC includes wearing a compression garment. Many patients ask why this is necessary. The answer is that wearing the compression garment facilitates all aspects of the patient’s recovery. Whether invasive or minimally-invasive, all plastic surgery treatments require a healing period and patients are instructed to use a compression garment during this time. Plastic surgery requires the body to adapt to its new shape and compression garments help in this process.
The term “compression garment” makes you think of people wearing Spanx with tight sleeves and leggings. But the compression garment recommended post plastic surgery is unlike these garments. A post-op compression garment is a close fitting elastic garment worn to reduce bleeding and swelling after the procedure. They are specially designed to promote healing and improve results. Plastic surgeons usually recommend the use of compression garments following liposuction, tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery, and many other types of body contouring procedures.
Patients are asked to wear the compression garment for a certain time span, depending on their treatment and requirements. When wore correctly, the compression garment increases blood circulation around surgical sites which will speed healing, reduce swelling, and flush out harmful fluids. The garment can protect and stabilize the surgical site if you sneeze or cough, as well as result in cleaner surgical area with less scarring. Patients who wear the garment for recommended time period experience a lower risk of post-surgical complications and also tend to be happier with their results.
The medical benefits of using a compression garment include:
- Limits the buildup of edema during the initial recovery phase will
- Reduces swelling and bruising, especially on the lower extremities, that may be caused by walking following the body contouring procedure
- Helps in the retraction and shrinking of loose skin left behind after liposuction surgery
- Reduces the risk of seromas or hematomas by allowing the circulation of blood and plasma evenly
- Reduces risk of infection by holding bandages in place and keeping the wound sterile in the early stages of recovery
- Supports the tissues and promotes faster recovery
- Promotes fluid drainage and resorption
- Eases pain and discomfort
- Reduces bleeding by applying pressure to the surgical sites
- Supports contour and enhance the overall results of the procedure
- Provides stability and allows the wound to heal while limiting the extent of scarring
- Helps skin heal evenly and adjust naturally over the treatment site
Choosing a compression garment that fits well is important as an improper post-surgical garment affect the healing process. It should fit appropriately, be comfortable, and stay in place without rolling up.
AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practices that offer body contouring in NYC have well-trained and experienced plastic surgeons. Such surgeons will discuss everything related to the post-surgical phase at the consultation, including the use of the compression garment.