Compression garments are used as part of a comprehensive aftercare program for most postoperative cosmetic breast surgery patients. These garments are often prescribed by the operating physician or may even be provided by the doctor directly. In fact, a great many patients awake from surgery already wearing one. The vast majority of patients use compression bras, which help their wounds to heal faster and better, with less chance of scarring. Be sure to discuss the proper use of a compression bra prior to undergoing any plastic surgery procedure.
This essay details the proper utilization of compression bras after aesthetic surgery.
Benefits of Compression Garments
A compression bra is almost always fitted by the medical team directly after the surgical procedure. The compression bra serves a variety of uses and is recommended to be worn for some time after the operation to ensure proper healing. The typical benefits of a compression bra include:
- Improves blood circulation
- Prevents sagging skin
- Supports the breasts
- Reduces scar formation
- Reduces breast movement
- Minimizes swelling
- Increases healing rate
- Encourages patient activity
- Keeps wounds clean
- Minimizes pressure on incisions
Compression Bra Designs
Compression bras come in a number of styles and sizes to fit every patient. Some doctors recommend wearing them for 2 weeks, while others recommend wearing them for up to 3 months. The type of procedure and level of invasiveness often dictate the exact timeline of use.
Compression bras come in 2 varieties, called stage 1 compression and stage 2 compression.
Typically, a stage 1 is worn immediately after surgery and up to 1 month postoperatively.
Stage 2 is indicated for patients who are advised to continue wearing their compression bra for up to 3 months or even longer in some rare instances.
Compression Garment Buyer Guide
Many good cosmetic surgeons will provide you with a compression bra immediately after finishing your surgical procedure. When you awake from the operation, you will already be wearing it.
For adjustable compression bras, it is crucial that you, and the person helping you after surgery, both know how to operate it and how tight to fit the bra, in case it is removed.
Make sure to go over proper use of this device with your doctor at your first follow-up appointment, the day after your surgery.
Using a compression bra is one of the most important things you can do to speed the healing process and ensure excellent final aesthetic results.
