Why Compression Garment is needed after Surgery

While some individuals will have no difficulty in losing bodyweight through dieting or exercising, many others cannot completely curtail and eliminate stubborn fat through the conventional weight loss methods hence the need for surgery/liposuction. 

This procedure sculpts your body, removing all the unwanted and excess fat which has been resistant to diet and exercises. The procedure is one of the most effective ways of removing fat from the body to achieve a slimmer contour. 

This treatment is very popular but most people are concerned about whether they should wear a compression garment after the procedure. 

There is a need for a patient to wear a compression garment after surgery for several reasons. The most important reason is that these garments help the body to recover quickly. These support garments are very helpful and promote blood circulation, healing, and manage any swelling.

How does compression garment help after surgery?

They are often worn directly after liposuction to aid the healing process by adding external pressure to the body where the incision has been made, the swelling is thereby reduced. The body naturally produces fluids during the recovery. 

These fluids can build up and become trapped causing swelling and discomfort, thereby prolonging the healing process. A compression garment is used to ease the discomfort from the side effects of liposuction which include inflammation, swelling, and bruising during weeks after surgery.

Applying a tightly binding fabric will put pressure on the healing areas. The pressure is always evenly applied which leads to a reduction in swelling. A compression garment also decreases bruising although bruises are not permanent, without it, they are likely to last much longer.

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after Surgery?

If you don’t wear a compression garment after surgery, you are simply increasing the risk of noticeable scarring and bruising is greatly increased. Without wearing a properly fitted compression garment after surgery, discomfort is likely. 

You need also to be aware that wearing a compression garment after surgery helps your body to adhere to its new contour, so without one, the skin may not heal very well. 

What are the other benefits of wearing compression garments after surgery?

Apart from the reduction of swelling and bruising, compression garments can help to shape your final results. The support garment helps your body to adapt to its new contoured shape and reduces the risk of your skin developing wrinkled appearance. 

It improves your posture and makes it easy for movement after the body contouring process.

What risks are associated with wearing compression garments after surgery?

The support garment is tight by design; therefore, some people might experience discomfort as they get used to the new sensation of wearing one, especially in the early stages when the postoperative swelling is still at its peak. 

Compression garment, however, is not intended to place excessive pressure on the treatment area. Too much compression can be painful and may increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Also, an ill-fitting compression garment can cause contour irregularities. It is best to speak with your surgeon on your concerns about the features to look out for in a postoperative compression garment.

How long should you wear compression garments?

Most surgeons recommend 4-6 weeks following larger body contouring procedures. However, the length of time you will need to wear a compression garment may vary depending on your surgeons’ protocol. It also depends on the amount of fat removed, how much loose skin remains, and skin elasticity.

Do I need to wear a compression garment 24/7?

Many surgeons recommend wearing the garment day and night for the first 1-3 weeks except when you are about to shower. This also varies depending on the exact procedure and extent of surgery.

What can I do to feel better if the compression garment is too tight?

A compression garment should support your body without causing pain. If the garment is causing a lot of discomforts, it means you are wearing an ill-fitting garment. 

Because you will be wearing this garment for many weeks after surgery, it is advisable to invest in better quality and properly fitted one(s). Good quality compression garments can make a big difference in terms of comfort. Our article on how to choose the perfect shapewear for your body will give you a better understanding.

Finally, you must make yourself as comfortable as possible. No one wants to experience undue pains, therefore, if you feel that your compression garment is too tight and hurts, it is a good idea to discuss with your surgeon. 

A better garment might be recommended for you or the tight one might be adjusted to suit your body. This will reduce the pain so that you can enjoy the benefits of compression without any form of discomfort. 

Please share and write to us at the comment section about your experience with compression garments.