Post-operative compression garments

After body contouring surgery such as breast re-shaping, a tummy tuck, gynaecomastia correction and liposuction, we utilise post-operative compression garments to give support and help with swelling.

The reason for the garment is to aid your recovery and to make you feel more comfortable.

There is often swelling following body contouring and when the tissues swell it can be uncomfortable, not to mention looking unsightly.
This is particularly important to be aware of if you have just had liposuction to get rid of those persistent fat pads that you have always hated and then two weeks after surgery you look in the mirror to see that they are still there!

Do not be alarmed, the results of any sort of body contouring can take two to three months before they start to settle and full recovery in terms of sensation and maturation of scars can take a year or more.

We will size you up in the operating theatre and will usually put the post-operative garment on you as soon as we have finished surgery so you will wake up wearing it.

It should be comfortable and supportive, not tight and restrictive

…so if you find that when you take it off you breathe a sigh of relief, then let us know, because it might be that you will need a larger size, especially if it leaves red marks or irritates the skin because we do not want it to cause problems.

It is often a major life event having body contouring surgery and so patients will stick to our post-operative guidance religiously which is to be commended, but when we say you should wear the garment for six weeks day and night, this does not mean that you cannot take it off to give yourself a breather or to have a shower.
It is fine to take the garment off for short periods and if you find it is bulky and uncomfortable, you may choose to use an alternative in the form of a tight figure-hugging t-shirt or body contouring pants.

You will always have open access to Vicki our clinic nurse, if you have got any questions about your garments, so please do not hesitate to give her a ring.

After the six weeks has passed, most of the swelling will be starting to subside and so you can start to take the garment off at night and at certain times of day if you find it more comfortable.

However, patients often feel secure when wearing the garment, particularly if they are going out in crowded places or have a busy day ahead.

You can play things by ear and see how you feel and continue to wear the garment if you wish.

We will work closely with you in the first few months and advise you about how to optimise your healing.

The garment is one part of the post-operative regime that we offer to make sure you get the best result possible and feel fully supported.

As ever,  if you have any questions, you can always join me on Facebook where I do a live Q and A every Tuesday at 7 o’clock or call us on 0121 454 3680 if you would like to have a chat with us.

If you have any questions feel free to get in touch or leave a comment and I would be happy to get back to you.

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