Complete Guide to Wearing Compression Garments After Surgery

Dr. Berman often recommends or requires patients to wear special compression garments after having cosmetic surgery for a period of time, as these items of clothing have several key benefits for healing and achieving natural-looking results.

The Benefits of Wearing Compression Garments

There are many benefits to wearing compression garments after you have had your surgery, including:

• Swelling reduction. By applying firm pressure to the treatment area, swelling can be reduced.
• Keeping tissues compacted results in a lower risk of bleeding and bruising.
• Helping with the healing process by not interfering with circulation, which is important for a speedy recovery.
• Improving your shape and contours by ensuring proper scar distribution and reducing any deformities that may occur.
• Minimizing pain and discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Compression Garments

How long will I need to wear the compression garment?

Typically, you will need to wear your compression garments for four to six weeks after your surgery. If you have only had a minor procedure, you may only need to wear your garment for two weeks. The length of time will depend on how you are healing and Dr. Berman’s preferences.

Do I need to wear the garment 24/7?

For the first one to three weeks, you should be wearing your compression garment all the time except when you are showering. This also depends on how you’re healing and Dr. Berman’s specific instructions.

Can I remove my compression garment to shower?

Yes, you can remove it when showering after you have been cleared to take a shower. For most procedures, you can shower within two days of having surgery. Make sure that you dry yourself off well after a shower and put the garment back on immediately.

Choosing the Right Compression Garment

When you start to look for compression garments in preparation for your cosmetic procedure, you will find that there is a wide variety to choose from. Some of the things you should consider include:

• Breathable materials. Low-cost compression clothing can use cheap fabrics that are abrasive to your skin and can make you feel hot and sweaty.
• Make sure that the garment is made with durable fabric that will last more than a month of wearing without losing its stretchiness.
• Some compression garments have antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection. This also helps reduce the likelihood of developing a bad smell due to odor-causing bacteria.
• The most comfortable compression garments have a flat seam or seamless design.
• Using a compression garment with moisture wicking will help to keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of infection.

Compression Helps With A Quick Recovery

The reason Dr. Berman requires patients to wear compression garments after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure is that, at the end of the day, they help lead to a faster recovery and better aesthetic results compared to not wearing them. By following Dr. Berman’s instructions for recovery after a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other plastic surgeries, you’ll reduce your downtime and start enjoying your new curves as soon as possible.

To learn more about what you can expect during plastic surgery recovery, talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman by calling or filling out a contact form today.