Choosing a compression garment... if too tight stitches would open, too loose won't work

Question

I'll have lipo/brachi next month, and got an arm compression garment wich is firm and tight. But I guess it would be very difficult to wear after the surgery, I'm afraid my arms would be more swollen and when trying to put on my garment, stitches could open up. Shoud I change them for a bigger size, even if that size won't make the job of pressing the lipo/brachi area?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Primavera, thank you for your question. Compression is important
after many plastic surgery procedures. Compression is especially important
after procedures like liposuction and an arm lift or brachioplasty.

Depending on your surgeon and their technique, compression garments are
left on for several weeks. For my patients, I have them wear compression
garments for approximately 4-6 weeks after liposuction. For an arm lift or
brachioplasty, I typically have light compression directly after surgery in the
form of an ace wrap for 10-14 days. After the first 2 weeks, I convert to an
arm compression garment. This garment goes from the mid forearm all the way to
the armpit. The reason I wait 10-14 days before using an arm compression
garment is to allow the incision to heal so it will not break open while trying
to put on the garment.

I would let your experienced board certified plastic surgeon pick out
your garment size. Usually, with enough experience, your surgeon should be able
to determine which garment you should purchase for the duration of your
surgery. It is rare that a patient will have to purchase more than one garment.

After your liposuction, arm lift
or brachioplasty, if you are able to pinch your garment and pull it away from
your skin, then your garment may be too big. If your fingers are numb and your
hands become swollen, then the garment is too tight.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It's important to have your compression garment chosen before your operation.  In my practice, my staff and I size the patient and select the appropriate garment for them in the preoperative visit.  We have the patient try it on during the visit to ensure an appropriate fit.  I feel that the most critical time for garment use is the immediate postoperative period, and provide them two garments for use.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you have your plastic surgeon (or his/her experienced nurse) help you with the fitting.  Ideally, you will have the garments available to you prior to surgery and  use them when instructed to do so by your plastic surgeon. Again, your plastic surgeon and/or his/her staff will be able to help you after surgery as well. Best wishes.

Priti Shukla, Mch - Account Suspended · Answer

Compression garment is essential after arm lift or arm liposuction surgery.  In my practise we use either a blouse with full sleeves or only arm sleeves , that have belts attached , fixing them to the body. Garment is tried before surgery in my office, because I have a fair idea what size the arm is going to be after surgery . If you are able to wear the garment for the whole day, before surgery , feeling pressure but not pain , if you are able to move your joints freely  and if there is no swelling of fingers on prolonged wearing , the garment is perhaps right. its important that you try the garment for a whole day before surgery . After surgery ,the arm size will reduce so despite pain and swelling, garment will fit. I often find patients complaining about pain and their wish to remove the garment , but the pain is usually due to surgery itself and not because of the garment. I recommend full sleeves because it helps prevent swelling of forearms . If you have excessive swelling of fingers, numbness or tingling , then garment is too tight and you will need to remove it till symptoms subside . Keeping arms elevated helps too . Removing the garment in case of doubt is okay . It does not hurt the surgery but wearing it continuously supports the stitches and promotes healing. I usually cover the stitches with waterproof dressing, so my patients remove the garment for shower and wear it again . I check the garment every postoperative visit to make sure it's not too loose or tight. Garment may get loose after 2 weeks and may need to be replaced . Usually patients buy 2 pairs and alternate them .

Choosing a compression garment... if too tight stitches would open, too loose won't work

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