One of the most beneficial tips and tricks of recovery from plastic surgery is the instruction to wear compression garments. With the pain and discomfort post-surgery, patients often wonder if it is necessary to follow every single piece of recovery care advice. What is the importance of wearing compression support after plastic surgery?

Some of the more common plastic surgeries that require a compression garment to be worn include tummy tuck surgery, Brazilian Butt Lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, arm lift surgery, face or neck lift and breast lifts. Compression garments are made of an elastic fabric or nylon and cloth. By not wearing a compression garment, the risk of noticeable scarring and bruising increases. The correct usage of a compression garment is crucial for recovery because it provides a variety of benefits not only to healing but maintaining your new shape or contour. The pressure applied by the garment helps reduce pain and makes it more manageable in the event you cough, sneeze or laugh. Compression garments help in the uniform healing of the skin, aids the skin in attaching to the muscle, reduces fibrosis, reduces inflammation, prevents seroma and lymphedema, correct posture, keeps grafts in proper position, and reduces fluid buildup. Blood clots are a serious risk after plastic surgery. Compression garments help improve circulation reducing the likelihood of blood clots. In addition to surgical tape or bandages, compression garments also help protect incisions.

For most plastic surgeries, compression garments will need to be worn for 4 to 8 weeks including while you sleep, only to be removed for showering. The compression garment is there to hold tissue together while the tissue is healing. Garment styles will vary depending upon your needs. For example, the first few weeks you will need a compression garment that makes it possible for excess fluids to drain away easily. After this stage of recovery, you may opt for a garment style that focuses on both wound healing as well as providing support to your newly contoured body.

The importance of compression after plastic surgery is vital to your postoperative care. Surgery results such as keeping the skin tightened and reducing excess sagging as well as preventing complications is as simple as wearing a useful and comfortable compression garment for a few weeks while you are resting and recuperating.

For more information regarding recovery care from plastic surgery and what surgical options may be right for you, contact David W. Allison, MD either by 703-754-8228 or WEBSITE. David W. Allison, MD uses advanced surgical techniques for natural looking results. Contact our team today so that we may assist you with any questions and to schedule your consultation today.