Posts Tagged ‘compression garments’

Do’s and Don’ts: Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

After Breast Implants

As with all surgeries, there is a period of recovery after breast augmentation, before you can resume your usual activities. Especially in the first few days, it is important to take it easy and to limit arm movements.

DO:

  • Rest – After surgery your body needs rest.
  • Limit arm movements – Avoid reaching, lifting, and swinging your arms – anything that makes your breasts bounce.
  • Use compression wraps – A compression garment will provide tissue support and help minimize swelling. As you heal, your surgeon may recommend a special breast augmentation bra.
  • Take medications as directed – Take prescription pain medications on schedule, and finish all antibiotics.
  • Drink lots of fluids – Keep well hydrated to speed healing and prevent the constipation that is common after surgery.
  • Start with light activities – Walk, do gentle stretching and low-intensity exercises on a stationary bike or treadmill to rebuild your energy.

DON’T:

  • Resume activities too soon – Give yourself time to recover. Most women return to work after 5 to 7 days, but should still avoid strenuous activities for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
  • Smoke – Smoking slows healing and increases your risk of complications.
  • Exercise vigorously – Stick to light activities until your surgeon says you can safely do more. Don’t lift weights or otherwise engage the pectoral muscles until your surgeon says it’s okay. Don’t swim until your incisions have healed.
  • Feel discouraged – Remember, it may take up to 6 months for you to see the final results of your recovery after breast augmentation. Be patient, and soon you’ll be admiring your new enhanced shape.

And with any plastic surgery or elective surgery, be sure to wear a compression garment to help you recover faster and with optimal results.  ContourMD carries a full line of compression bras and after breast augmentation surgery garments to help increase circulation, reduce swelling and bruising while helping stabilize your new implants.

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Posted in Breast Augmentation Recovery, breast augmentation surgery | 5 Comments »

What Makes a Good Plastic Surgeon?

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

Style 32S Body Shaper Brief from Contour

If you look through the Yellow Pages under the heading “plastic surgeons,” you’ll probably find dozens to choose from. Look again under the heading “cosmetic surgeons,” and you’ll likely find several more. Trying to sort through these lists to find the best possible plastic surgeon for your cosmetic plastic surgery procedure or reconstructive procedure can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider.

First of all, make sure that your cosmetic surgeon is board certified. Board certification is a step beyond medical school and residency, so it proves that your plastic surgeon has gone the extra mile to make sure he (or she) has received the proper training.

Next, Make sure your plastic surgeon of choice has experience with the type of procedure you’re undergoing. For example, if you’re having a tummy tuck and lipo, you’ll want to ask how many tummy tuck and lipo procedures your surgeon does each year. If it’s only a few, you may want to choose another surgeon.

Find out if the plastic surgeon you’re considering has a Web site or other social presence. Having a Web site or posting to social media sites won’t make someone a better plastic surgeon, but it will give you a place (or multiple places) to get more information about the surgeon’s background. For example, many plastic surgeons post information about their educational background and experience on their Web sites or on their Facebook or My Space pages. Web sites and social media sites are also a good place to look for patient testimonials and before and after photos.

Talk to your plastic surgeon candidates about what happens before, during, and after plastic surgery, including what type of post surgery support you will receive. Also ask if you’ll need to purchase any plastic surgery garments to be worn after cosmetic surgery. Post surgical compression garments help the surgical site to heal. Depending on what type of procedure you’re having, post plastic surgery, you’ll likely need one or more compression garments.

And finally, although price is certainly not the most important thing, you do need to choose a plastic surgeon who is within your price range. Many plastic surgeons offer payment plans if you do need to go a little over budget.

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Posted in Plastic Surgery Recovery, Prepare for Plastic Surgery | 4 Comments »

Treatments for Lymphedema

Monday, July 13th, 2009
Lymphedema Compression Garments

Lymphedema Compression Garments by ContourMD

Lymphedema is a swelling of the arms or legs caused by a blockage of the lymphatic system, which prevents lymph fluid from draining properly.

There’s no cure for lymphedema, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as infections, skin ulcers, elephantiasis (severe hardening of the skin), and even cancer. Common lymphedema treatments include massage therapy, exercise, and the use of compression garments. The goal of lymphedema treatment is to decrease pain and swelling and improve mobility.

Massage therapy and exercise help to minimize lymphedema symptoms by moving lymph out of the affected limb, which decreases swelling.

Lymphedema compression garments help keep fluid from building up in your limbs. Compression garments should be put on first thing in the morning and worn throughout the day. When worn during exercise, compression garments may help prevent swelling from lymphedema in an affected limb. It’s particularly important for you to wear a compression garment when traveling by air, because lymphedema can become worse at high altitudes.

Compression garment options for lymphedema swelling of the hands and arms include compression gauntlets and arm sleeves. For leg swelling due to lymphedema, compression stockings are the garment of choice.

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Posted in Lymphedema Treatment | 1 Comment »