Do I Need To Wear Compression Garments After A Tummy Tuck?

Why Do I Need To Wear A Compression Garment Post Tummy Tuck?

How we prepare for the surgical process, our general mental and physical health, as well as what we do throughout our recovery period, all play a significant role in determining the outcome of any type of surgery. This is especially true when the results of our surgery are aesthetic and will be clearly visible.

Compression garments speed up the healing process after a tummy tuck and help reduce the swelling and pain that come with an abdominoplasty. Good-fitting, high-quality compression garments tend to speed up the healing process and help create a smooth, even skin texture while minimizing the risk of bleeding, lymphedema, and the formation of seromas.

The 6 Top Benefits Of Post-op Tummy Tuck Compression Garments

1. Reduces Swelling

One of the most common side effects of any surgery, including a tummy tuck, is post-operative swelling, or edema. This condition develops when fluid leaks out of the body’s tiny blood vessels. The tissues surrounding the areas of treatment swell due to the accumulation of fluid.

Compression garments keep the swelling to a minimum by distributing even pressure across the entire treatment area, also removing the potential for a fluid collection pocket to form.

2. Lessens Recovery Discomfort

These special garments help to make you more comfortable and speed up your recovery process because of the way the constant, even compression increases the blood flow to the area as well as keeps the swelling at bay.

Additionally, the pressure that is holding the treatment areas firm by the garment makes situations such as moving around, coughing, sneezing, or laughing less uncomfortable.

3. Improves Circulation

Blood clots are one of the most significant risks associated with any surgical procedure, but they are particularly high with invasive procedures like tummy tuck surgery. Clots of blood can form anywhere in the body if there is insufficient blood circulation, which can result in serious and life-threatening complications. The use of compression garments helps to improve circulation and decreases the likelihood of developing a blood clot.

4. Reduces The Risk Of Infection

After a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, compression garments serve as a protective barrier over the abdominal incisions, which lessens the risk of infection in these areas. Additionally, it helps improve circulation, which helps your immune system deliver the necessary antibacterial agents to an area where an infection may begin to develop.

5. Reduces The Visible Appearance Of Scars

Wearing post-tummy tuck compression garments provides the necessary support to the surgical site and holds it still and stable. This helps the incisions heal without the skin being stretched or otherwise damaged during the healing process. This reduces the risk of developing rough, uneven scarring patterns.

6. Provides Optimal Results

Wearing a post-op tummy tuck compression garment after your surgery helps to form the final contour of the treated area. Wearing these supportive garments helps keep the skin firmer and wrinkle-free as your body adjusts to its new, more streamlined form.

Most patients find their compression garments also help improve their posture, which better highlights their new body contours.

How Do I Choose The Best Post Tummy Tuck Compression Garment?

It is important that you choose a high-quality compression garment because you will have to wear it for between 4 and 6 weeks after your tummy tuck. Usually, you will begin your recovery with one garment and then switch to one that is firmer and provides more support.

The most effective compression garments are those that are both comfortable and completely supportive. It should fit properly and be durable enough to be worn every day for at least six weeks. Here are some things to look for when choosing a post-tummy tuck compression garment:

Antibacterial Fabric

Choose compression garments that have antibacterial properties. Infections can develop when germs enter open wounds. Using antimicrobial compression garments helps lessen the likelihood of developing an infection while your incisions are healing. Additionally, antibacterial fabric will help reduce odors between launderings.

Choose Garments Made From Breathable Fabrics

Breathable fabrics provide maximum comfort and are less likely to be itchy or scratchy, which can be particularly aggravating after surgery. Additionally, breathable fabrics allow air circulation to keep your skin dry and comfortable and reduce perspiration.

You Compression Garments Should Be Well Made

The best post-tummy tuck compression garments will be durable enough to last your entire recovery period. They should have enough stretch to be comfortable but also provide the necessary amount of stability.

You also want to look for compression garments with durable, high-quality closures that make the garment easy to get on and off and are adjustable in different areas if necessary. Look for patient reviews to learn about the quality of the garments before making your choice.

Ensure your garment is made from moisture-wicking fabric

Since you have to wear this garment 24/7 for several consecutive weeks, you need to ensure it is comfortable and promotes healing. After a tummy tuck, your compression garment needs to keep your surgical areas dry, protected, and stable. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep moisture away from your skin by pulling it to the outer layer of the garment, where it will evaporate. This helps to reduce the growth and spread of bacteria as well as cut down on odors.

Choose Garments Without Bulky Seams

Choosing compression garments that are seamless in design or have flat seams will increase your comfort. These will not irritate your tender incision sites or cause indentations in your newly contoured skin while you are healing which could jeopardize your results.