After your plastic surgery, there are several steps to take through your recovery process to ensure you achieve the intended results. One important step in your recovery for many procedures, particularly body contouring options, is wearing compression garments. Dr. Diktaban will explain everything you need to know during your consultation, but below is a quick guide for wearing compression garments.
What is the Purpose of Compression Garments After Surgery?
After body contouring procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, in addition to other types of plastic surgery, you will be advised to wear a compression garment. This will make a significant improvement in your recovery by shaping your desired new contour and shortening the overall recovery process. Compression garments work to stabilize your body’s new shape, closing the space between the skin and the underlying tissue which can be created while reshaping the body contour. This improves healing and encourages tissue to re-adhere as intended.
Some of the many benefits of wearing a compression garment after your surgery include:
- Shortening total recovery time
- Reducing swelling or bruising
- Protecting against infection
- Reshaping and contouring
- Reducing the chances of keloid scarring
- Reducing pain or discomfort
How Long Will I Wear a Compression Garment After Plastic Surgery?
For a majority of body contouring surgeries, you will be advised to wear your compression garments for about 4-6 weeks. Less invasive or extensive procedures may require as little as two weeks. During your consultation and after your surgery, Dr. Diktaban can explain what you can expect and how long you should wear your compression garments. If you find that your compression garments are uncomfortable throughout the recovery period, you should bring this up during a post-operative appointment. Dr. Diktaban can help you make any necessary adjustments so your compression garments are as comfortable as possible.
Especially during the first 1-3 weeks of your recovery, you should wear your compression garments 24/7, only removing them to shower. This may vary depending on the procedure you have received, so be sure to follow Dr. Diktaban’s directions. Following this initial period, most patients are then advised to wear their compression garments through the day and remove them at night for another 1-3 weeks.
How Tight Should Compression Garments Be?
Your compression garments should apply some pressure, but it is a common misconception that they must be as tight as possible. Instead, compression garments should support the body without excess pressure. Circulation is important through the recovery process, so any numbness or tingling from circulation being cut off is a sign that your compression garments are too tight. The garment should lay flat and smooth, and you should be able to easily slide your hand beneath it.
Choosing Your Compression Garments
Dr. Diktaban may recommend specific compression garments for you to purchase prior to your surgery. As you choose your compression garment, you can look for the following qualities:
- Breathable materials and moisture-wicking fabric
- Flat seams or seamless
- Quality zippers, hook-and-eye closures, or other closures
- Antibacterial properties
- Durability
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about body contouring procedures and the recovery process, schedule a consultation with Dr. Diktaban. Call our Upper East Side office at (646) 906-9449 or contact us online.
Dr. Theodore Diktaban, MD FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, specializes in safe and subtle cosmetic treatments, enhancing natural beauty and boosting self-confidence in the Upper East Side and New York City.
