Compression Garment Schedule after Plastic Surgery

Planning for a plastic surgery procedure involves more than just setting up an appointment. Before you make all your plans for your surgery, it is important to consult Dr. Marcus Crawford to better understand what you need to do to prepare for your specific plastic surgery procedure, your actual surgery date, and the recovery process. There may be a few keys to recovery that you may not have initially planned in your surgery schedule. For patients that have undergone body contouring or breast surgery, compression garments can greatly improve post-operative results.

What Is Involved in Plastic Surgery Recovery?

Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of surgery you undergo. Of course, you will want to stay out of the sun, plan to avoid certain medications and vitamins until you receive clearance from your doctor, and you will also want to take some time off of work to fully recover. One way to speed up your recovery process, especially after a tummy tuck or liposuction, is to wear compression garments.

How Do Compression Garments Aid in Recovery?

Compression garments are just what they sound like - garments that you wear under your clothes that fit tightly around the area where you received surgery. Compression garments are similar to a girdle or Spanx, but are medical-grade and designed specifically for the surgery you underwent.

Compression garments are used for a few different reasons. First of all, they are a great way to keep the swelling in your body down after surgery. Compression garments also prevent fluid buildup and seromas. Additionally, compression garments are form fitting, which means they aid in body contouring. A great way to achieve the desired look from surgery right away is to wear your compression garments, and allow your body to heal just the way you want it to.

What Type of Compression Garments Are Best?

The type of compression garments that are best for you depends on the type of surgery you received. Dr. Crawford will consult you and determine what type of compression garment is best for you individually. The most important thing is to wear whatever your surgeon prescribes. Wearing medical compression garments are the best way to improve post-operative outcomes, so it is best for patients to choose the brand and type recommended by Dr. Crawford.

For How Long Should Patients Wear Compression Garments?

Surgeons usually prescribe two different sets of compression garments after surgery; each garment has a different purpose and should be worn for a specific amount of time. Again, how long you wear the garment depends on your individual recovery speed, your body type, and the type of surgery you receive. However, the first garment generally should be worn from two to six weeks. After you receive approval from Dr. Crawford, you can start wearing your second compression garment. The second garment is generally only worn for two weeks. After this schedule is complete and you have received approval from your surgeon, patients can enjoy the results of their body contouring surgery.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Crawford, contact our Atlanta area offices today.