Compression garments exist in various sizes to fit different bodies and diverse body types. Depending on the procedure, you will need one or more compression garments for the neck, chin, legs, or arms after liposuction.
How Should Compression Garments Fit?
A tight fit is the most appropriate fit. However, your compression clothing shouldn’t be too restrictive or overly large. It’s normal for your body to feel a little discomfort initially, but as soon as you get used to it, you won’t feel too much pain or restriction anymore.
However, the swelling will reduce over time, making your compression garment ineffective. To maintain its effectiveness, constantly adjust your compression garment to keep the fit snug as you recover.
Importance of Compression Garments
Your surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions greatly influence your procedure’s outcome. Patients who don’t follow post-operative care instructions aren’t as happy with the results. It is vital to use compression garments after liposuction procedures. Doing so will help achieve the best results and protect you from infections.
Many people don’t want to use compression garments because they worry they will be unpleasant and excessively confining. They can positively assist your recovery. It’s normal to experience bruising after undergoing liposuction. Using compression garments can effectively reduce swelling and therefore eliminate bruising faster.
Loose skin can retract and tighten better if you use compression garments after liposuction. Compression clothing that fits appropriately will not be adequate. Clothing for compression should be snug but not too snug. Clothing is excessively tight if it restricts breathing or other motions.
Typically, patients are told to wear compression clothing for a maximum of 6 weeks. Most patients are advised to wear compression clothing 24 hours a day for the first two to three weeks while their wounds heal. After the first two days, some people might be suggested to use compression garments at 12-hour intervals either during the day or at night.
Benefits of Using Compression Garments
Your recovery can be made more comfortable with compression garments. They reduce swelling and bruising to hasten healing. Significantly, they boost the success of your liposuction treatment by helping the body conform to its new contour.
Reduce Swelling
Fluids can build up and become stagnant after surgery. They can cause uncomfortable swelling. Applying even, consistent pressure in the area of your procedure is imperative. Using compression garments will prevent fluid from accumulating and result in less swelling.
Minimize Scarring
Scarring is not an issue after liposuction surgeries. The incisions are small and well-hidden. However, if you worry about scarring, using compression garments can help prevent it.
Prevent Edema Formation
Fat is removed during the procedure, creating a space for fluids to build up. This build-up is called edema. The compression reduces the space left by the fat removed, thus preventing edema formation.
Minimize Pain or Discomfort
Many patients say compression garments help them feel more secure after surgery and make movement easier during early recovery. Compression garments can lessen discomfort, enhance posture, and boost conscious care of the region affected by your liposuction treatment.
If your compression garments are causing discomfort instead of providing relief, consult your doctor for a better-fitting garment immediately.
Enhance Final Results
Wearing compression clothing might not seem glamorous and comfortable, but it will improve your results. The supporting compression helps skin retract for a better, tighter shape by preventing laxity or wrinkles. The area will look and feel more sculpted, too.
What to consider when choosing a compression garment?
The quantity of choice may often be bewildering if you’ve never worn a compression garment. Your medical consultant should give you a good idea of the type of garment you need to look for before you order compression clothing. Each person may require a different garment according to their need and area of liposuction. If you are getting liposuction in various locations, you may require more than one compression garment.
Other things to consider:
- Color: Some fluids might keep draining even after the procedure. It can often be noticeable on compression garments that are light in color. While it is not an essential item to be worried about, this can be a problem for some. Centre for Surgery also recommends you wear loose, dark colored clothing after the surgery so any fluids are not as obvious.
- Washable: It’s usually a good idea to check if the item is machine washable because it can potentially have bodily fluids on it.
- Fit: when you first purchase a compression garment, it should be tight and apply a lot of pressure. The lack of pressure can cause fluid build-up and more swelling. As a reference, great compression garments often feel like tight athletic wear. Make sure the clothing is tight enough, though. Your body’s blood circulation becomes abnormal if your garment is too tight.
- Comfort: You will always wear the compression garment after having liposuction (except when bathing). Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure the clothing is comfortable. While pressure is significant, you must also avoid feelings of discomfort. Ask yourself whether any of the zippers or clips are hurting or irritating. Choosing one that can be conveniently worn and removed will also be great.
When compression garments fit perfectly, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Compression garments will only prolong your recovery, make the healing process more comfortable, and may lead to less-than-optimal results.
Compression garments assist substantially with skin tightness and a smooth body shape after liposuction. To ensure you get the full benefit of your procedure, keep using compression garments for as long as your doctor has instructed.
