Compression Garments are killing me! Is it shaping me or reducing swelling, reducing scars etc? Super excited re results (Photo)

Question

I am post op day 9 from a belt lipectomy, tummy tuck and arm lift. I have had a pretty easy journey with pain hovering 5-6 out of 10 and sometimes 7. I went to my surgeon Wednesday PO day 5 and was changed from hospital garment to design by Veronique. It hurts my ribs, my crotch and makes me sore all over. I'm going to go in to my dr and order a different one (knee Knee length not bathing suit style) tomorrow but am just wondering besides the swelling what is the purpose?

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Compression garments after plastic surgeries like you had really are important to wear. Their main goal is to control swelling and to reduce the potential space that can fill up with fluid. At the time of surgery the tissue flaps on the ABD/Back and arms are lifted up, re-stretched and repositioned, and then the excess tissue is cut off. If fluid is allowed to build up in those tissue planes that were opened, then you can develop chronic fluid pockets that can distort your results, stretch the skin or create abnormal scar tissue. The pressure of the garments helps stop this from happening. It is important that the garments fit properly, however, if they are too tight they can actually impair the blood flow to the tissue and cause would breakdown or necrosis. If your garments are that uncomfortable I suggest you get right back in to your plastic surgeon and see if they can get you ones that fit better. The garment really should not be the worst thing you experience with your surgery!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the purpose of compression garments and whether they are shaping me, reducing the swelling or the scars. Compression garments are an essential part of the surgery after a belt. Lipectomy, tummy tuck, and arm lift. Compression garments serve multiple purposes. Compression garments should be medical grade and not purchased at the local clothing store. Compression garments provide medical-grade compression. The purpose of compression garments after a procedure is to minimize swelling. Swelling is your body's natural reaction to accelerate healing. However, the body provides too much swelling. Therefore impeding and extending healing. Therefore, compression garments minimize swelling. In addition, compression garments help to flatten the scar. As scars heal, the scars tend to raise. The compression garments help to flatten scars. In addition, compression garments give you a sense of well-being and provide a feeling of comfort that you will not split open your incision. Of note, I would highly suggest a lower-body garment in your case. Swelling after a lower body lift typically accumulates in the thighs, knees, and ankles; with the current garment you are wearing, the bathing style does not compress the thighs, knees, and ankles. It would be best if you had a garment that goes from your wrist to your shoulders and from your shoulders to your ankle. This provides total body compression, thus minimizing swelling and accelerated healing. It is essential to consult with your plastic surgeon regarding compression. I hope this helps to answer your question about the purpose of compression garments and whether they are shaping me, reducing the swelling or the scars.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for this question. It appears based on the pictures you've shown that you're doing quite well and you had an excellent early result. We typically use the garments in the first month following the procedure to help with support and also decrease the swelling. The garments have to be fit correctly and I would recommend you have this checked by someone in your plastic surgeons office. Best of luck with your recovery.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Compression garments should be snug, yet comfortable to move and wear under clothing. There as many brands and they will fit differently so one is out there that will work for you. The purpose is to reduce swelling, and provide support and comfort, so if what you are wearing is not a good fit look into others.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your transformation!  Garments are commonly used after body contouring surgery to control swelling and potentially limit bruising.  While many patients find them uncomfortable early after their procedure, it is surprising how many get used to the support and continue to wear compression long after their physician permits them to stop.  There is also some evidence that the use of compression long term may help the maturation of scars.  I would suggest you discuss the matter with your surgeon and discuss methods to make the garment more tolerable.  Sometimes this can be achieved by changing the size, padding the sites that are most tender, or even wearing a t-shirt under the garment so that the material and seams are less irritating.  Good luck and best wishes for a speedy and easy recovery!

Compression Garments are killing me! Is it shaping me or reducing swelling, reducing scars etc? Super excited re results (Photo)

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Compression Garments are killing me! Is it shaping me or reducing swelling, reducing scars etc? Super excited re results (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Compression garments are killing me.

Answer: Compression garments are killing me.

Answer: Compression Garments

Answer: Compression Garments

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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