Depending upon the type of plastic surgery performed, a compression garment may be required after surgery for a specific period of time to aid in healing and reduce swelling. There are several benefits to these compression garments.
Compression Garment Benefits
- Reduced Swelling
Swelling is normal after any surgery. It is caused by the body’s increased production of fluid as a response to trauma. When this fluid is trapped beneath the skin, painful swelling results. Compression helps the body to absorb this fluid.
- Reduced Bruising
Bruising is a normal response to a surgical procedure because blood vessels are injured, pushing that blood into the surrounding tissue, which then discolors the skin that is visible above the injury site. The compression garment helps stop or slow this bleeding, preventing the blood from moving to the surface of the skin, thereby reducing the presence of bruises.
- Reduced Scarring
Although every individual will scar based on their genetic tendency, a compression garment helps to flatten and soften incisions and, therefore, keep scarring to a minimum.
- Provides Protection
A compression garment protects the area of surgery from outside objects while you are healing.
- Shapes and Contours the Body
The goal of a plastic surgery procedure is to improve the shape and contour of some part of the body: arms, bottom, breasts, tummy, etc. The support provided by the compression garment assists the body in maintaining this new shape. It also lessons the risk that your skin will have a wrinkled appearance afterwards, particularly after liposuction.
How Long Are Compression Garments Worn After Cosmetic Surgery?
In general, a 4-6 week period is required, although the length of time will also depend on your healing progress, which will be evaluated at your regular postop appointments.
Is a Compression Garment Worn During Sleep?
Other than during showering, patients wear their compression garments 24 hours a day. It can be removed for showering. Dr. Galante will instruct you as to how soon after your procedure you can permanently remove the garment.
Which Plastic Surgery Procedures Require a Compression Garment?
In general, body procedures are those that require compression garments, such as breast procedures, tummy tucks, liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lifts, and thigh and arm lifts.
The Bottom Line
Dr. Galante requires compression garments to be worn after certain procedures for the reasons above. At the end of the day, doing so leads to the fastest recovery and the most attractive results possible, compared with not wearing a compression garment.
To discover more about what you can expect during plastic surgery recovery, talk to board-certified NW Indiana plastic surgeon Dr. Gus Galante by calling 800-721-3244 or completing our Contact Request Form today.
To Your Health & Beauty,
Gus Galante, MD, FACS
Board Certified NW Indiana Plastic Surgeon
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