Back acne from compression garments full tummy tuck and breast augmentation - Can they be related?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lift 4 weeks and some days ago. I’m still wearing my compression garments. I’m getting back acne along my spine! I wash my garmets once a week. I’m still sleeping sitting up or laying down on the couch, I’ve only been sleeping on my back. Could that be it? Is this normal? Has any doctor heard of this before? I’ve never had back acne in my life! There’s like a cluster of them. The compression bra is giving me seriously itchy skin on my sides too.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. The garment may be related to your back acne. Are you wearing your garment directly onto your skin or do you have a barrier in between? Please follow up with your surgeon so that he can personally examine your back.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to visit your surgeon for an assessment.  You may be having a minor allergy to the compression garment material.  It could also be that the skin on your back is reacting to you laying on it more frequently, sweating, etc than normal.  Your surgeon can advise if you can take more breaks from your garment or perhaps switch to a Phase 2 with less compression.

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience. Our skin naturally sheds (or sloughs) daily and when wearing a compression garment daily, those dead skin cells can get stuck to it and become very itchy and/or cause acne. Washing the garment is a great idea, along with getting an extra garment. I often recommend my patients to place a loose fitting under shirt or camisole (cotton if possible) under the compression garment to avoid skin to skin consult. In terms of the acne, you can use your facial wash on your back to help clean and exfoliate your skin. It should resolve over time. We’re more than happy to see you in a consult.

Lina Triana, MD · Answer

Since you are wear gin a high garment that had spandex this material tend to make you sweat more so if you wear the garment that is tight and makes you sweat you are more prone to end up with clogged pores that encourage pimples and acne. Still it is not advisable to take the bra or the garment since you have recently ago your surgery done. If can use a 100% cotton T shirt under the garment and the bra, so that you sweat less, also using powder on your skin before you wear the garment can help you so that you sweat less. Ans of course while you have the acne was the area with a special soap, sydney, and use some special lotion to control grease in the area.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Continuous use of the garments can irritate the skin over time and cause you to breakout in acne. I usually recommend patients have an extra set of garments and alternate them every day or two while washing and allowing the other set to dry. Also make sure that your skin is dry and clean after showering. You may consider using powders to absorb moisture if you are sweating. It is also best to have an evaluation by your surgeon if the acne or rash does not improve. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ken Stewart, MD, FRCS Plast · Answer

Any occlusive garment can cause a rash or spots such as folliculitis.
I wouod stop wearing it ( the evidence that they make a diffetence to long term outcomes is dubious) until you are able to seek advice and review by your team.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

Skin on the central back is difficult to clean.Especially when you have had extensive surgery on the front of you. I would consider taking a break from the garments at this time. See your plastic surgeon.

Back acne from compression garments full tummy tuck and breast augmentation - Can they be related?

Answers (7)