Compression Garments After Surgery: How Long to Wear Them and Why

Compression garments are recommended after many types of plastic surgery, including breast augmentation and other breast procedures, tummy tuck and liposuction. Dr. Power will make recommendations for you based on your surgery and recovery, but here is what to expect and why compression matters.

What Are Compression Garments?

Compression garments are medical-grade garments designed to be worn after surgery, made from breathable materials such as nylon and elastic. After breast surgery, the garment resembles a sports bra and supports the breasts with gentle, even pressure. After a tummy tuck, an abdominal binder is used. After liposuction, the garment is fitted to the treated area.

Why Should I Wear a Compression Garment?

Compression is useful both during early healing and for your final result. By providing support, it lowers the risk of developing a fluid collection or bleeding at the surgical site. It applies fairly uniform pressure, which reduces swelling and stabilizes the soft tissues while they heal.

Compression works by applying gentle pressure to the surgical site. After a tummy tuck, it helps close the space between the elevated soft tissues and the underlying abdominal wall. Similar potential spaces exist after liposuction, where fatty tissue has been suctioned. With constant gentle compression, the tissues can more easily adhere to their new contours.

What Are the Benefits of Compression?

• Less swelling. Even pressure across the surgical site restricts the fluid buildup that causes swelling and may help your body absorb accumulated fluid. This matters because fluid buildup may lead to a seroma, which can cause discomfort and lengthen recovery.
• Lower risk of bleeding and bruising. Ongoing bleeding after surgery may lead to a collection of blood called a hematoma. Constant pressure during early healing lowers this risk.
• Better contours and support. Compression supports the tissues as the skin retracts, helping your body heal the way your surgeon intends. After breast augmentation, it supports your implants as they heal.
• Less discomfort. Support and constant pressure may reduce discomfort, especially after a tummy tuck, where the binder also braces the repaired abdominal muscles. Most patients feel more comfortable wearing it, particularly when coughing or getting out of bed.

How Long Should I Wear My Compression Garment?

Your plan depends on your surgery, and Dr. Power will advise you when you may stop. As a guide:

• After breast surgery, wear your compression bra full-time, even when sleeping, for six weeks. Avoid underwire bras until you are cleared at your six-week follow-up appointment. Read more about wearing an underwire bra after breast augmentation.
• After a tummy tuck, wear the abdominal binder full-time for six weeks. See the purpose of the abdominal binder.
• After liposuction, wear the garment for 6 weeks after surgery. See compression garments after liposuction.

Not wearing your compression garment as recommended may increase the risk of complications, including bleeding, fluid collection and greater swelling.

Do I Need to Wear It 24/7?

Yes. Compression is recommended full-time, even when sleeping. Remove it only to shower, then put it back on.

How Should a Compression Garment Fit?

Your garment should fit snugly enough to do its job, but not so tightly that it is uncomfortable. If it becomes loose as your swelling goes down, ask us about a smaller size. If it irritates your skin, you may wear a camisole underneath. If it is uncomfortable, it may not be fitting properly and should be adjusted. Let us know any time.

Do I Need to Buy My Own Garment?

No. A garment will be provided for you based on your measurements and your surgery. We choose garments made from quality materials that are durable enough for the recommended time. For tummy tucks, Dr. Power prefers a three-flap binder, since each flap can be adjusted separately. Patients find this more comfortable, particularly after a mommy makeover when breast incisions are also present. Angling the top flap downward may avoid irritating the lower breast incisions.

Schedule a Consultation

Following your post-operative instructions for compression and wound care will help your healing. If you are interested in learning more about breast or body contouring procedures, please contact Power Plastic Surgery in Toronto to book a consultation with Dr. Stephanie Power.

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Related Procedure: Considering breast augmentation? Explore breast augmentation with Dr. Power at Power Plastic Surgery.