Compression Garments are causing Bruises (Photos)

The compression garment generally should provide gentle compression  in the early postoperative period .  it should not be so tight as to be uncomfortable. On the contrary, most patients find that some gentle support reduces their pain and makes him feel more secure. Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes to you! 

Most patients will be
placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is
usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times
a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the
patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six
weeks.

It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as Embrace.  On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

While you may be concerned with the healing process it is best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined and make sure that healing is progressing well. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling. However, if you garments are too tight they can restrict lymphatic drainage and blood flow leading to more swelling and complications. I'd highly suggest you contact your surgeon's office regarding your plan. Best of luck!

I don't think the girdle is actually causing the bruising. I thonk it's from the surgery. I think that the girdles should fit very snug but not painfully tight. Best to check in with your own surgeon. Send him/her the photos.

Greetings,

Your bruising might be caused by different circumstances. Best to contact your surgeon about post-op instructions and healing process.

Have an excellent day!

Congratulations on your recent surgery! Your compression garment does seem to bunch and wrinkle at your waist and this can cause too much pressure in one location. I would recommend adjusting the garment so that it is smooth and if this is not possible then remove the garment. Talk to your plastic surgeon and show them what it is doing. Your surgeon will know you best and provide recommendations.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Hello,

It is more likely that your bruising is caused by surgery. That being said, there does seem to be a band across your mid-section when your garment is on. Bruising is blood that has leaked out of vessels and has temporarily "stained" the surrounding tissues. It tends to move down the body due to gravity. The garment may be causing the bruise (also called ecchymosis) to build up at the top of it. 

Aside from that, the fact that you have darkened areas around your incision is showing that this area has poor blood circulation. This could be from the trauma during surgery or from a garment that is too tight. Either way, your surgeon needs to Ben aware of this to make any necessary adjustments to prevent this from worsening. First step would probably be to get a looser garment, or abandon it altogether. 

Good luck!

Garments are used for compression and comfort. Not all surgeons use them. It is unlikely that the garment caused your bruising, rather the surgery probably did. Best to review with your surgeon about post-op instructions.

It looks like the bruise may have been caused by the tight compression garment. It is best that you contact your surgeon who can find a better garment for you. In the meantime I would stop wearing your current garment