Compression Garments and Plastic Surgery Recovery

Whether you’re contemplating a Breast Augmentation, Facelift, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), or any other Plastic Surgery procedure, grasping the importance of post-operative garments can significantly impact your recovery journey. This comprehensive guide delves into the pivotal role of post-op garments within the Optimal Recovery Plan. We’ll cover the ideal duration for wearing compression garments, quantity requirements, fitting guidelines, and trusted shopping sources.

What is a Post-Operative Garment?

Post-operative compression garments consist of stretchable and breathable materials, delivering gentle, even pressure to aid the healing process. This added support fosters healing, alleviates discomfort, reduces swelling, and promotes stability in the treated area.

Why Are Post-Op Garments Crucial for Recovery?

Proper healing and recovery are paramount for achieving optimal results after a Plastic Surgery procedure. Your ultimate results greatly rely on your commitment to post-surgery care. These garments are not just an option – they are vital in supporting your body’s natural healing processes to secure the best possible outcome.

1. Managing Swelling

After surgery, swelling is a common and expected response. However, excessive fluid buildup can lead to prolonged discomfort and delayed recovery. Compression garments play a crucial role in assisting your body to absorb excess fluids. Through gentle and even pressure, they effectively redistribute fluids, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable recovery experience.

2. Minimising Bruising

After surgery, swelling is a common and expected response. However, excessive fluid buildup can lead to prolonged discomfort and delayed recovery. Compression garments play a crucial role in assisting your body to absorb excess fluids. Through gentle and even pressure, they effectively redistribute fluids, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable recovery experience.

3. Enhancing Comfort

By reducing swelling and promoting circulation, compression garments alleviate post-operative pain, enhancing overall comfort during the recovery period.

4. Promoting Blood Circulation

Limited mobility after surgery may lead to poor blood circulation and, in some cases, the risk of blood clot formation. Compression garments support effective blood circulation, reducing these risks and further facilitating the healing process.

How long do I need to wear a Post-operative garment?

Wearing compression garments is a crucial aspect of your recovery. The duration of time you’ll need to wear your post-surgery garment will vary depending on the type of procedure, the progress of your recovery, and, most importantly, the guidance of your CosMediTour Plastic Surgeon. To ensure the best possible recovery, it’s essential to closely follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

As a general guideline for our clients, the period for wearing Compression Garments can be divided into three phases:

Stage 1

The initial recovery phase typically spans from four to six weeks following your surgery. During this period, post-operative garments should be worn at all times, with the exception of when you’re showering.

Stage 2

As the initial swelling diminishes, you’ll transition to less compressive garments, which provide increased comfort and flexibility. We recommend wearing these for an additional two to eight weeks, and they can be removed at night.

Stage 3

By this stage, you should begin to see your results more clearly, and significant post-operative swelling should have subsided. Depending on your progress, your Plastic Surgeon may suggest continued use of compression garments to support your recovery.

How Many Compression Garments Should You Have?

Why We Recommend Buying Extra Compression Garments

For a seamless and comfortable recovery process, we highly recommend purchasing additional post-operative garments. However, please wait until after your surgery to purchase extra as your Plastic Surgeon may have different recommendations.

Having extra post-op garments readily available ensures that you always have clean options at hand as you progress through your healing journey. This eliminates the need for constant washing and drying of the same garments, allowing you to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and comfort throughout your recovery.

As you transition into the next phase of your recovery, you may prefer less compressive options. While compression is crucial during the early stages of recovery, as your healing progresses, you may find that garments with lighter compression provide the comfort and support you need.

How Should My Post-Op Garment Fit?

The importance of a proper fit cannot be overstated when it comes to post-operative garments. The effectiveness of these garments in creating an optimal healing environment is closely tied to how well they conform to your body.

As a guideline, a well-fitting and effective post-surgery garment should:

• Apply adequate pressure to support and compress without being too tight
• Sit smoothly against your skin, without bunching or feeling bulky
• Facilitate proper blood flow and oxygen circulation
• Avoid hindering circulation or causing fluid buildup
• Not constrict to the point where your limbs feel numb or ‘fall asleep’

You can assess the fit by determining whether a hand can comfortably slide underneath the garment without causing strain or discomfort.

Where To Purchase Post-Operative Garments

For those seeking budget-friendly choices, we recommend:

• Kmart’s practical and affordable 2-Pack Wire-Free Post-Surgery Crop
• Target’s Seamfree Post-Surgery Bra

For those interested in premium post-surgery garments, consider:

• Lorna Jane’s ‘The One’ sports bra, known for its quality and support.
• Additionally, Exquisite Bodies offers a range of post-surgical bras to cater to your specific needs as you recover.

Concealing Your Compression Garment

As you gradually resume your daily activities and social engagements post-procedure, you may wish to discreetly conceal your compression garment. Here are some tips to help you confidently hide your compression garment:

Opt for a Nude Shade: Consider selecting a compression garment in a nude or skin-tone shade that closely matches your skin colour to make it less noticeable under your clothing.

Choose Clothing with Thicker Fabric: When picking your attire, opt for fabrics like denim or wool, which offer better coverage and conceal the contours of your compression garment.

Accessorise: Don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Scarves, statement necklaces, and jewellery can divert attention away from the area where you’re wearing the compression garment.

Layering: Discreetly conceal your compression garment by layering it under loose-fitting outerwear, such as oversized shirts, blouses, or jackets, providing both camouflage and comfort.

Ultimately, prioritise comfortable outfits that boost your confidence during your recovery journey. Loose-fitting, flowy clothing not only helps conceal your compression garment but also ensures your comfort as you continue healing.

Want to Know More?

If you have more questions about post-op after plastic surgery, be sure to speak directly to your Client Manager. For other information to help you prepare for your procedure, look through our Frequently Asked Questions.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information provided should be used only as an information guide and not CosMediTour giving advice. Please ensure you do your own valid surgery research and seek advice from a General Practitioner to enable you to be fully informed about surgery.