Wearing the right clothing following a liposuction procedure is vital in order to reduce risks and ensure that patients recover properly. Patients must wear clothing that protects their results and facilitates healing.
After undergoing liposuction, it is essential that patients follow the aftercare instructions to ensure that there are no issues during the recovery process and that patients are happy with the end result. One of the most important post-procedural instructions is for patients to wear a compression garment during the recovery process. Beyond that, there are also certain types of clothing that are more conducive to recovery which should be worn throughout the healing stage.
What are compression garments and why are they important?
A medical compression garment is a form of high-tech, advanced recovery wear that is designed to help patients heal quickly and achieve their desired outcome from a surgical procedure. Using compression garments properly can help liposuction patients achieve the best contouring results possible. Failing to wear a compression garment following liposuction can lead to excessive swelling and bruising, skin laxity, and a wrinkled look.
Made from strong synthetic fabrics such as lycra or nylon, medical compression garments are a vital part of any surgical procedure. Their unique composition allows for stretching while also applying all the necessary pressure to the treatment sites.
What’s more, they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate patients of all shapes and sizes. Compression garments can be applied to the abdomen, breasts, legs, arms, neck, and chin, depending on the areas treated.
How do compression garments aid the liposuction recovery process?
Compression garments are vital because they reduce discomfort and help the body maintain its new contours.
A reduction in swelling
Following a liposuction procedure, the body produces fluids that can accumulate in certain areas, resulting in excess swelling. Compression garments prevent this fluid from pooling in the treatment sites by applying consistent pressure to the area.
A reduction in bruising
Compression garments are able to reduce the appearance of bruising preventing blood from collecting at the surface of the skin.
A reduction in scarring
Compression garments are able to minimize scarring by keeping pressure on the treatment site, resulting in flatter, smoother skin.
Prevention of Edema
A liposuction procedure removes fat from the region below the skin and above the muscle, leaving a space where fluids can accumulate and pool. This ultimately leads to a condition with lumps known as Edema. Wearing a compression garment keeps this area tight, ensuring that edemas will not form.
How long do compression garments have to be worn after a liposuction procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, patients will be fitted for their compression garments. During the first 6 weeks of the recovery process, patients will have to wear these compression garments 24/7.
At the three-week mark, patients will be assessed again to see how their recovery process is going and if the compression garments need to be changed. Patients typically need tighter compression garments at this juncture, as the swelling has gone down considerably.
Compression garments are usually kept on for 6 weeks. That said, some patients will need to keep theirs on for a shorter or longer period of time depending on the details of their procedure and their rate of recovery.
The importance of wearing loose, comfortable clothes
As the compression garments are taking care of the swelling and other unwanted effects, it is important that patients wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t cause any issues. In the first few days following a liposuction procedure, patients should be wearing things like oversized shirts, sweat pants, pajama bottoms, and bathrobes. Wearing these types of clothing can help patients experience total comfort throughout their recovery process. Patients should make sure to have these clothes laid out for themselves prior to the procedure so that they can access them easily.
What is the takeaway?
Compression garments are essential for a comfortable recovery period and satisfactory results. They prevent the development of complications and scars while helping to achieve the patient’s desired outcome. Wearing loose-fitting clothes is also important so that the efficacy of the compression garments is not disrupted in any way. As with any surgical procedure, patients should refer to a board-certified plastic surgeon to carry out their liposuction procedure.