The Role That Compression Garments Play in Body Contouring Surgery
As one of the nation’s foremost experts in body contouring surgery, Dr. Stuart Baker believes that it is his responsibility to educate his patients about every phase of the liposuction or abdominoplasty procedure they are about to undergo. He wants to make sure that they understand exactly what they can expect before, during, and after surgery so that they can make informed, confident decisions about whether to proceed with their chosen procedure. He takes the time to sit down with them and truly listen to their needs and goals, addressing any concerns they might have and answering their questions in plain, comprehensible language. Matters that some plastic surgeons might consider trivial, Dr. Baker explains in detail.
One of those matters is the role that compression garments play in post-surgical healing. During consultations between Dr. Baker and his body contouring patients at his office in Champaign, compression garments and plastic surgery are discussed so that patients can be prepared for their recovery before committing to surgery.
What are compression garments?
There are several types of compression garments available, the most popular being the spandex garments (“Spanx”) that are available at most retail stores. In general, however, Dr. Baker recommends that patients invest in medical compression garments because they offer superior support and compression.
Is it necessary to wear compression garments after body contouring surgery?
Dr. Baker and his team of highly trained professionals will provide you with the best possible care while you are in our facility. However, when you are at home, you will assume most of the responsibility for your healing. It is vital that you follow all of the post-surgical instructions that Dr. Baker provides to you as closely as possible. If you choose not to follow these instructions, including the recommendation to wear medical compression garments during the recovery period, you stand the risk of your healing period not going as smoothly as it otherwise would have.
On the other hand, if you wear compression garments as suggested, they will:
- Help to control swelling
- Reduce bruising
- Facilitate drainage of fluids, preventing the build-up of fluid under the skin, clinically known as edema
- Provide needed support
- Help the reshaped skin conform to its new contours
Ultimately, you will heal more efficiently and achieve your optimal results more quickly if you wear compression garments during your recovery phase.
When can I stop wearing compression garments?
Usually, Dr. Baker suggests that patients wear compression garments 24 hours a day for at least three weeks after their body contouring procedure, although this will vary from patient to patient. You will want to have at least two sets of compression garments so that you will always have a clean set to change into after showering.
After the initial three-week healing period, Dr. Baker may suggest that you wear your compression garments for 12 hours a day for the following three weeks. At that point, it should be possible for you to stop wearing your compression garments altogether.
Contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine
To learn more about the role compression garments play in healing after body contouring surgery, please contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine today.