How Important are Compression Garments after Plastic Surgery?

Your plastic surgeon has advised you to wear a compression garment during your plastic surgery recovery and you’re wondering if it’s really necessary. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the reasons why plastic surgery recovery garments are an important part of recovery.

Let’s say you’ve just had breast augmentation surgery and, of course, you’re anxious to see your results. Breast augmentation recovery garments will help to minimize bruising and swelling, which means faster results and less pain. During breast augmentation recovery, breast implants also have a tendency to want to rise. Your breast augmentation bra or augmentation bandeau will keep them in place.

Or suppose you’ve had liposuction surgery. After liposuction, your stomach area will be tender. A compression girdle or abdominal binder will stabilize your torso, which will help to minimize pain when moving. Liposuction recovery garments also help to tighten the skin at the surgical site, giving you a smoother, more toned look.

After cosmetic surgery, good circulation is important to promote healing. Plastic surgery compression garments

improve circulation and flush out fluids that could potentially be dangerous.

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.

Compression Arm Garments from ContourMD

When preparing for arm lift surgery (also known as brachioplasty), you’ll want to consider what you need to have on hand for your recovery. For example, following arm lift surgery, your doctor may instruct you to wear an arm lift compression garment. These post-surgery support garments improve circulation, reduce swelling, and decrease plastic surgery recovery time. They also help the new skin form to your body’s contours.

The key to choosing an arm lift compression garment is to find something that provides adequate support, yet is also comfortable. Options include long-sleeve compression vests or short-sleeve compression vests.

Although short-sleeve compression garments may be more comfortable, particularly during the summer months, it’s a good idea to ask your plastic surgeon which type of garment is best for you. Plastic surgery recovery garments are typically worn continuously for several weeks, so you should purchase more than one.

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.

Abdominal Binder by Silhouette

When preparing for your tummy tuck surgery, one of the things you’ll need to do to is buy a recovery garment to wear immediately after your abdominoplasty surgery. The purpose of this post-surgical garment is to decrease swelling, increase circulation, and reduce plastic surgery recovery time.

The key to choosing an abdominoplasty compression garment for tummy tuck surgery is to find one that is sturdy and offers the right amount of support, but is also comfortable. Available options include abdominal binders, abdominal panties, girdles, and body shapers.

Abdominal binders are designed for both female tummy tuck and male tummy tuck. Since abdominal binders only cover the abdominal region, they can be easily hidden under clothing, and may be the most comfortable choice for abdominoplasty recovery during the hot summer months.

Abdominal panties are similar to abdominal binders. The main difference is that they fit like underwear, but they have a side zipper and an eye closure on the crotch panel.

Girdles and body shapers come in many shapes. Mid-calf girdles or mid-calf body shapers may be a good option if you are planning to wear skirts or dresses following your tummy tuck procedure. Ankle-length girdles or ankle-length body shapers may be a more comfortable option if you prefer to wear pants, and can serve as an extra source of warmth during the winter.

Plastic surgery recovery garments are typically worn continuously for several weeks, so it is a good idea to have more than one on hand.

If you are planning to have liposuction, you’ll need to think about buying a recovery garment to wear immediately after your liposuction surgery and for several weeks thereafter. The purpose of these post-surgical garments is to decrease swelling, increase circulation, and reduce plastic surgery recovery time.

The key to choosing a liposuction compression garment for liposuction surgery is to find one that offers support, but is also comfortable. Among your garment options are abdominal binders, girdles, and body shapers.

Abdominal binders are generally used after liposuction of the abdomen, and are designed for both female liposuction and male liposuction. Since abdominal binders only cover the abdominal region, they can be easily hidden under clothing, and may be the most comfortable choice for liposuction recovery during the hot summer months.

Girdles and body shapers come in many shapes, and are worn following liposuction of the hip, thigh, buttocks, or abdomen. Mid-calf girdles or mid-calf body shapers may be a good option if you are planning to wear skirts or dresses following your liposuction procedure. Ankle-length girdles or ankle-length body shapers may be a more comfortable option if you prefer to wear pants, and can serve as an extra source of warmth during the winter.

Plastic surgery recovery garments are typically worn continuously for several weeks, so it is a good idea to have more than one on hand.