Compression Garment Frequently Asked Questions
Why are compression garments worn after a surgical procedure?
A compression garment is support clothing used by people who have recently undergone some type of surgical procedure. Post Surgical Compression Garments are worn immediately following a surgical procedure for the following reasons.
Compression Garment reduces swelling (edema) and helps prevent the build up harmful fluids. The compressions garment will provide compression on the skin that will push fluids away from the skin, helping to reduce swelling and aiding in healing. Flushing fluids from your body help reduce bruising and the risk of infection during the healing process.
Compression garments help hold skin firmly against the body, aiding in molding the body to its new shape. In addition, they are designed with seams on the outside of the garment to keep from leaving indentations on the skin.
A properly fitted, compression garment will make you much more comfortable during the recovery process by reducing swelling. In addition, the lightweight, breathable material will make you much more comfortable when wearing the garment for extended periods of time. There are compression garments for nearly every type of surgical procedure, including liposuction, tummy tucks, breast implants, and abdominoplasty.
Why can't I wear tight exercise garments?
Compression garment are designed to provide targeted compression, something that is not found in a standard girdle or exercise garments. Exercise garments, regular girdles and sports bras also do not have outside flat seams, an open crotch and are not intended for long term, 24-hour usage. You need a garment specifically designed to compress the skin for surgical purposes and that is comfortable for the length of your recovery. Your compression garment literally becomes your “second skin.”
What is the difference between First Stage and Second Stage compression garments?
First Stage garments are worn immediately after surgery and provide moderate compression and may be worn for up to 2 weeks. First Stage garments are zippered with reinforced seams allows for easy application and durability during the critical immediate postoperative period.
Second Stage garments provide continued healing compression and support during the second stage of recovery (typically 2-8 weeks post-op). Second stage garments are non-zippered, pull-on and sized smaller for additional support to the newly contoured body. Second stage garments also fit smoothly under clothing as patients become more active and keep zippers from making impressions in the skin. Depending on the surgical procedure, a second-stage compression garment may need to be worn anywhere from a few weeks to a few months following surgery.
Do I need more than one garment?
We recommend that you have at least 2 zippered garments and 1 non-zippered garment. Immediately post-op the doctor will put you in a zippered garment, this garment will become stained and soiled very quickly. In order to maintain continuous compression, you can wear the second garment while the first garment is being laundered. A few weeks after the surgery you will be able to wear the non-zippered garment, this garment is designed to help contour and shape the body.
Why should I provide pre-op measurements instead of post-op measurements for my compression garments?
Our First Stage compression garments are sized to accommodate expected swelling right after your surgical procedure. Stage Two garments are sized smaller to fit your newly contoured body after swelling has subsided.
How do I know which size to order?
Measure your natural waist, which is generally 1” above the belly button and the narrowest part of your waist. Next, measure the largest part of your hips. If you fall between sizes, use your normal pant/dress size as a guide to determine
How should I wash my garment?
We recommend hand washing and line drying your compression garment. This will lengthen the life of the garment and prevent premature shrinkage and/or loss of compressive qualities.