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How Can Support & Compression Garments Benefit My Healing Journey?

This article first appeared on MakeMeHeal.com.

Following cosmetic surgery, your doctor will ask you to wear a compression garment. Wearing a compression garment after surgery is crucial to improve blood circulation, minimize swelling after the procedure, flush the body out of potentially harmful fluids, accelerate the healing process and allow the patient to return to daily routines sooner. A compression garment also provides support to surgical areas for more comfort and helps the skin fit better to its new contours. Depending on your doctor, you may need to wear compression garments during both Stage One (initial 1-2 weeks of post-op) and Stage Two (2-8 weeks post-op) of recovery. For this reason, you may need to get both a Stage One garment and a Stage Two garment.

For your convenience we list below the major compression garment areas by procedure. Please select the relevant procedure:

• Arm Procedures (Brachioplasty, Lift, Reduction) Compression Garments
• Breast Augmentation Compression Garments
• Breast Lift Compression Garments
• Breast Reduction Compression Garments
• Buttock Augmentation/Implants Compression Garments
• Face Lift Compression Garments
• Post-Weight Loss Surgery Compression Garments
• Liposuction Compression Garments
• Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Compression Garments
• Thigh Lift Compression Garments
• Tummy Tuck Compression Garments

First Stage Compression Garments

A first stage compression garment is typically worn immediately after the surgery and continuously for several days (or longer depending on the doctor's instructions) and then non-continuously for the initial 1-2 weeks of post-op. During the initial period of post-op, your doctor may instruct you to wear this garment constantly (even while sleeping) and only remove it when you need to go to the bathroom or to shower. Generally, the amount of time you will need to wear your garment will be reduced as you move forward in your healing journey. Due to heavy drainage and long, continuous periods of time that you may need to wear the garment, it is recommended to purchase two, Stage One garments.

Second Stage Compression Garments

A second stage compression garment is typically worn during 2-8 weeks post-op (or longer, depending on the doctor's instructions). A second stage garment is worn once your first stage garment (first 1-2 weeks of post-op) is no longer appropriate. Generally, the amount of time you will need to wear your garment will be reduced as your move forward in your healing journey. Second stage garments are sized smaller, are more fashionable, and have a less bulky appearance than first stage garments.

How Do I Measure Myself Correctly & Get The Right Size?

Knowing how to measure yourself correctly and getting the right size for your garment is the most crucial step of selecting a garment. Speak with your doctor about different sizing and options available.