should I be wearing my compression garment to bed?

Question

I wear my compression garment all day until bed time but I still wear the compression wrap that the doctor gave me the day of surgery to bed because it's more comfortable for me to sleep in. Is this ok???

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. For my patients, I want them to wear their compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks depending on how they are healing, it is to control swelling and promote skin contraction. Good luck.

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Recommendation for compression garment use varies from surgeon to surgeon and may be different for different patients and procedures. I generally recommend that patients wear their garments both day and night for at least a few weeks, but if the garment is causing any rubbing or irritation, changing it up for a binder or another alternative makes sense to avoid damage to skin. Discuss with your surgeon so that the advice you get is tailored to your individual situation. Good luck!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
I recommend my patients to use the compression garment 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to avoid that type of swelling and to get the best results. If you have any concerns, i suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for your question.
Compression garments are advised to be worn by surgeons in order to try to minimise swelling and help with the reduction of fluid collections (seromas). The duration of time to be worn and number of hours per day is very surgeon dependent and not based on any firm science.
Your suggestion of wearing the band to bed only is not a bad one - some surgeons only advise this in any case as not everyone wears compression garments.
I would advise you discuss this with your operating surgeon, but remember that you have to be live and be comfortable, but also want to balance this with doing everything possible to get the best results for yourself from your surgery.
I wish you luck.
Marcus

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear 'Saythat',Thanks for the question.  There is no problem with wearing a compression garment too long.  Every surgeon has their own thoughts and post op instructions on this.  Most patients feel more secure in the garments and wear them 23 hours a day for the first few weeks.  After that, it is really up to you.  With BBL procedures, many of us have patients wear the garment for a full 30 days.Good luck with your continued healing.Dr T

should I be wearing my compression garment to bed?

Answers (5)