Stages of Recovery Garments Explained
Stages of Recovery Garments Explained
Plastic surgeons recommend patients wear compression recovery garments after a cosmetic procedure. Medical-grade compression garments improve the recovery process after a surgical procedure. These garments come in a variety of sizes and styles. The surgical procedure the patient has undergone determines the type of garment that is needed. For example, compression bras are ideal for recovering from breast augmentation.
Tumescent liposuction is a common liposuction procedure. To loosen fat cells during tumescent liposuction surgical fluid is pumped into the body. This makes it easier for your cosmetic surgeon to remove the fat cells from your body.
First Stage Compression Garments – 1-2 Weeks Post-Op
During the first stage of the recovery process, compression garments provide many benefits. The initial draining, swelling, and bruising occur during this stage. Compression post-surgical garments help with the draining process while minimizing swelling and bruising.
The open drainage process occurs during the first stage of recovery. If the surgical fluid is left in the body, it will increase the problems of bruising and swelling. Wearing compression garments during an open drainage process is effective. The compression garment helps the body squeeze the fluid out. This will improve the healing process and reduce the recovery time needed.
Lipo foam is also useful in minimizing bruising and swelling during the recovery process. The more fluid that drains the less bruising and swelling you will have, and therefore, you will have a shorter healing time.
Post-surgery compression garments and drainage tubes are not the only things you need to recover in comfort and safety. Many patients forget that fluid will be coming out of the tubes. While you recover, it is important to keep things clean, sterile, and dry.
We recommend wearing your first stage compression garments immediately after your surgery, 24 hours a day for 1-2 weeks after surgery. IMPORTANT: Consult your physician before using compression garments.
Second Stage Compression Garments – 2-8 Weeks Post-Op
While there are many benefits to compression, there is such a thing as too much compression. And that isn’t good either. It is not recommended that you keep your body compressed for too long. Patients should move on to the second stage medical-grade compression garment after the drainage from your procedure stops.
For maximum recovery, patients should start wearing a second-stage garment immediately after the first stage ends. This will allow their body to return to using its normal lymphatic functioning. The lymphatic system will flush the body with excess fluid, reducing swelling.
You should wear the second-stage compression garments for about 2-8 weeks after your surgery. Again, please consult your doctor before using compression garments.
Third Stage Everyday Wear – 8+ Weeks Post Op
The third stage of recovery is about maintaining the appearance and results that the patient desires. Patients who wish to obtain their most desired look use everyday wear. Shapewear is another term used for third-stage garments. In these garments, compression is minimal, and comfort is an added benefit.
Everyday wear should be fashionable. Men and women often wear undergarments that help smooth and compress unwanted bulging of the skin or fat areas of the body. For example, Spanx Shapewear is internationally known for helping people look the way they want.
Everyday athleisure wear is becoming more popular, especially for women who have undergone:
- C-section
- Tummy tuck
- Plastic surgery procedure
Talk to your doctor about 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage garments before your next procedure date. Professionals suggest you don’t wait till the last minute to order your garment. This ensures you get the right size and quality garment. To get the best results for your body and well-being, follow the 1,2,3 stage of wearing compression garments.
Shop ContourMD.com First Stage, Second Stage, and Third Stage Garments Today!
