Second Stage Garments by ContourMD

If you are planning a plastic surgery procedure, you’ll need to invest in a compression garment. Compression garments, also known as plastic surgery recovery garments or post-surgical garments, improve circulation, help rid the body of potentially harmful fluids, reduce swelling, and decrease plastic surgery recovery time.

Immediately after your surgery, you’ll need a first stage recovery garment. The type of compression garment you need will depend on your type of surgery. If you are undergoing a breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast lift, or arm lift, you’ll need a compression vest or a post-surgical bra. For liposuction or a tummy tuck, you’ll want to purchase an abdominal binder, a compression girdle, or a body shaper. Facial compression wraps are recommended for facelift surgery.

A few weeks after your plastic surgery, your plastic surgeon may tell you to switch to a second stage compression garment. Second stage recovery garments are less bulky than first stage recovery garments. But don’t let the lightweight material fool you. Second stage recovery garments still provide compression, which increases circulation and helps the body heal.

Because second stage recovery garments are less restrictive than first stage compression garments, they can easily be worn undetected underneath everyday clothing. Second stage recovery garments come in a variety of styles. Mid-thigh girdles and mid-calf girdles fit well under shorts, capris, or skirts. Since they are lightweight, they are a good choice during the hot summer. Ankle body garments may be more comfortable under slacks and can add an extra layer of warmth during the cold winter months.

Whether you need a first stage compression garment or a second stage recovery garment, keep in mind that plastic surgery recovery can last several weeks, so it a good idea to have more than one post-surgical recovery garment on hand.

Chin Neck Bandage by Silhouette

Before your facelift surgery (also known as rhytidectomy), you’ll want to buy a facial surgery compression garment to wear immediately after surgery. Facial compression garments help decrease swelling, increase circulation, and reduce plastic surgery recovery time.

The trick to choosing a post-surgical compression garment for facelift surgery is to find something that is supportive yet comfortable. Your options include facial compression wraps, chin support straps, and chin neck bandages.

Most facial compression wraps are adjustable to fit the contours of your face. These facial compression garments can be used not only for facelift surgery, but also for other types of plastic surgery, such as chin implants, neck surgery, or oral or maxillofacial surgery.

Chin support straps have Velcro adjustments at the top and a band that runs along the back of the head to keep the compression garment in place. Chin straps can also be used for other types of facial surgery.

Chin neck bandages are also adjustable and come with a chin cup that gently cradles the chin. They’re used for both facelift surgery and other types of face and neck surgery.

With so many options available, it’s a good idea to ask your plastic surgeon which one is best for you. Plastic surgery recovery garments are typically worn continuously for several weeks, so you should have more than one on hand.