Are you considering plastic surgery and want to ensure you have the best result from your procedure? While the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon are crucial, it’s important to remember that you, as the patient, also play an integral role in the recovery process. Post-operative care, regardless of the specific procedure, is essential for achieving the best results. One of the most recommended post-surgical aids at Edina Plastic Surgery is compression garments. These specially designed garments help ensure a smooth recovery while maximizing the outcome of your surgery. Although never fashionable and seldom as comfortable as your favorite pair of sweats, the benefits of wearing compression garments, as you will learn, far outweigh any negatives!
What Is a Compression Garment?
When many of us think of compression garments, we envision slimming shapewear, like Spanx®, that are designed to smooth lumps and bumps under tight-fitting clothing, or the thick tights flight attendants and other professionals who are on their feet all day wear to prevent varicose veins. Although somewhat similar, the compression garments worn after plastic surgery are constructed to support your body as it recovers and enhance your surgical results.
Most post-operative compression garments are made of high-quality synthetic fabrics like Lycra®, spandex, elastic, and nylon that have stretch and support. They are crafted to be not just supportive, but also comfortable, breathable, easy to remove and put on, and in some cases, are even antimicrobial. Post-surgical compression garments come in a vast array of sizes and styles to perfectly support patients after procedures like liposuction, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck, and body lift.
Although they can take some getting used to initially and feel a bit restrictive, the benefits of wearing compression garments are numerous and essential to your recovery from plastic surgery. Here are the top five reasons your Edina Plastic Surgery surgeon recommends you follow your post-care instructions diligently and wear your compression garments after your procedure.
1. Reduce Swelling, Inflammation & Bruising
After any plastic surgery, the body naturally responds to trauma by triggering inflammation and swelling. This is a normal part of the healing process, but excessive swelling can cause discomfort and prolong recovery time. Compression garments work by applying consistent pressure to the surgical area, preventing excessive fluid buildup and promoting proper lymphatic drainage. By reducing swelling, these garments help our patients feel more comfortable and return to their normal routine sooner.
Additionally, effectively managing swelling contributes to better long-term aesthetic results. Uncontrolled swelling can stretch the skin and impact the final contour of the surgical area. Patients can minimize this risk with compression garments and maintain the desired shape post-surgery.
Bruising is a common and expected side effect of any plastic surgery. This is because the blood vessels around the surgical area will be disturbed and often rupture during your procedure. When this occurs, blood leaks into the surrounding tissues and blood cells migrate toward the surface of your skin. As a result, the skin’s surface becomes discolored or bruised.
Compression garments reduce bruising by distributing even pressure around the surgical area, preventing some of the damaged blood vessels from migrating to the skin’s surface. This action may lessen the appearance of any bruising after your procedure.
2. Enhance Blood Circulation and Prevent Complications
One of the most critical benefits of wearing compression garments is their role in improving blood circulation. Compression garments help regulate blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to the healing tissues.
Better circulation also accelerates the healing process, allowing damaged tissues to repair themselves faster. As a result, patients experience less bruising and discomfort while minimizing the chances of post-surgical complications. Less discomfort also allows patients to be more mobile than they would be otherwise, and that helps reduce the risk of blood clots after surgery.
3. Provide Support and Stabilize Surgical Areas
Surgical procedures at Edina Plastic Surgery, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, body lift, and breast augmentation, may significantly alter the body’s structure. The newly shaped tissues may shift without proper support, leading to suboptimal results. Compression garments help stabilize these areas by keeping everything in place, ensuring that the skin conforms properly to the underlying tissues. They also provide extra protection for your surgical incisions, making them less vulnerable to tension and infection.
This support is particularly crucial during the early stages of recovery when the body is still adjusting to the surgical modifications. Wearing compression garments helps prevent unnecessary movement, reduces the risk of wound separation, and promotes even, smooth healing. Patients can feel more secure and confident in their mobility, knowing their surgical results are protected.
4. Minimize Scarring and Promote Smooth Skin Appearance
Scarring is a common concern following plastic surgery, and while some scarring is inevitable, compression garments can help minimize its severity. By applying gentle pressure to the skin, these garments encourage collagen remodeling, preventing the formation of thick, raised scars known as keloids or hypertrophic scars.
Furthermore, compression garments help smooth out the skin by reducing irregularities caused by fluid retention or uneven healing. Patients often find that wearing these garments leads to a more refined, aesthetically pleasing final result. A well-fitted compression garment can significantly improve the overall skin texture and appearance, making the recovery process more rewarding.
5. Enhance Comfort and Reduce Pain
Post-surgical discomfort is an unavoidable part of recovery, but compression garments can help alleviate some of the pain associated with swelling, bruising, and movement. The gentle pressure these garments provide creates a soothing effect, reducing sensitivity in the treated areas and making everyday activities more manageable.
Additionally, compression garments act as a protective barrier between the healing skin and external factors such as clothing or accidental bumps. This added layer of protection helps minimize irritation and discomfort, allowing patients to focus on their recovery without unnecessary pain.
As you can see, wearing compression garments after plastic surgery is a simple yet highly effective way to ensure a smoother recovery and optimal surgical results. From reducing swelling and improving circulation to providing support and minimizing scarring, these garments offer numerous benefits that can significantly affect the healing process.
At Edina Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will discuss what type of compression garment, if any, will be worn after your specific procedure. Two sets of this garment will be provided to ensure you always have a clean garment to change into. Our team will advise you on how to safely take the garment on and off, how long it must be worn, and any other special instructions for its use. Following these post-operative guidelines and wearing the recommended garments can lead to a more comfortable recovery and a beautifully enhanced final outcome!
Are you considering plastic surgery and would like to discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon? We’d love to partner with you! Schedule a complimentary consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery by calling or texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE.
