What Role Do Compression Garments Play in Postoperative Healing? A Guide for Patients

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I understand the importance of comprehensive care through the surgical journey, from preoperative preparation to postoperative recovery. In the realm of aesthetic surgery, procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast surgery can yield transformative results, but proper postoperative care is essential to ensure optimal healing and outcomes. One crucial component of postoperative care that I often recommend to my patients is the use of compression garments. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of compression garments in postoperative healing and why they are an integral part of the recovery process for plastic surgery patients.

Understanding Compression Garments:

Compression garments are specialized clothing designed to provide gentle yet firm, consistent pressure
to the treated area following surgery. These garments are typically made from elastic materials such as spandex or Lycra and are designed to fit snugly around the body. By applying uniform compression, compression garments help reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and support the healing process. It is important to search multiple shopping outlets in order to read reviews, check sizing, fabric, appearance, and cost of these garments. Faja is a common term to describe garments worn following a tummy tuck.

Commonly, patients can locate proper postsurgical garments simply by searching on amazon. Here is a link as an example: Faja Compression Garment. I prefer faja garments that circumferentially provide compression above and below the operative site. In other words, fajas wrap around the thigh, groin, and abdomen and flanks to provide uniform support while at the same time minimizing build-up of swelling and fluid directly above or below the operative site. Since many of my tummy tucks are drainless, it is particularly important to begin wearing these garments soon after surgery or as instructed.

Often times after surgery you will be placed in a standard abdominal binder for ease of dressing changes and application immediately after surgery. Typically, it is replaced by a faja-like garment within 2-3 days. It is frequent for patients to purchase multiple size garments online, and then return the garments that do not fit or switch from a larger size to a smaller size as the swelling improves early in the postoperative period. This works synergistically with lymphatic massage and ambulation following surgery.

Benefits of Compression Garments in Postoperative Healing:

1. Reduced Swelling and Bruising: After undergoing procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, or breast surgery, it’s common for patients to experience swelling and bruising in the treated areas. Compression garments help minimize swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage and preventing fluid buildup. Additionally, the gentle pressure exerted by compression garments can help reduce the severity and duration of bruising, allowing for a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

2. Improved Comfort and Support: Following surgery, the body undergoes a period of adjustment as it heals and adjusts to its new contours. Compression garments provide support to the treated areas, helping to reduce discomfort and promote proper healing. Patients often find that wearing compression garments provides a sense of security and stability, allowing them to move more comfortably during the early stages of recovery.

3. Enhanced Healing of Incisions: Proper wound healing is essential for achieving optimal results after surgery. Compression garments help promote healing by providing gentle compression to the incision sites, which can minimize tension on the skin and reduce the risk of complications such as wound dehiscence or hypertrophic scarring. By supporting the skin as it heals, compression garments contribute to smoother, more even scar formation, resulting in improved cosmetic
outcomes.

4. Improved Contouring Results: Procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks are designed to sculpt and contour the body, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Compression garments play a vital role in maintaining the newly sculpted contours by providing support to the treated areas and ensuring that the skin adheres properly to the underlying tissues. By wearing compression garments as directed by your surgeon, you can help ensure that you achieve the best possible results from your procedure.

5. Psychological Benefits: In addition to their physical benefits, compression garments can also provide psychological benefits to patients during the recovery process. Many patients find that wearing
compression garments helps them feel more supported and confident as they navigate the early stages of recovery. The sense of security provided by compression garments can alleviate anxiety and promote
a positive mindset, allowing patients to focus on their healing journey with greater ease.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, compression garments play a crucial role in the postoperative healing process for procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast surgery. By providing gentle compression, support, and stability to the treated areas, compression garments help minimize swelling, reduce bruising, promote proper wound healing, and enhance contouring results. If you’re considering undergoing aesthetic surgery, it’s essential to discuss the use of compression garments with your surgeon and follow their recommendations for postoperative care. With proper care and
attention to detail, compression garments can contribute to a smoother, more comfortable recovery and help you achieve the beautiful, natural- looking results you desire.

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