Skip to main content
Book An Appointment

Dr. Linder's Blog

Compression Garment Mechanisms Beverly Hills

Posted On: March 12, 2010 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Body Sculpting, Breast Augmentation, Home, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck

Compression garments are used in a multitude of recovery procedures, status post plastic and reconstructive surgery.  The garments include facial surgery garments, contour garments, as well as postsurgical compression garments which may include surgical brassieres with compression as well as girdles and binders for abdominal contouring as well as thigh liposuction and contouring procedures.  The garments include facial surgery garments, contour garments, as well as postsurgical compression garments which may include surgical brassieres with compression as well as girdles and binders for both abdominal contouring and thigh liposuction and contouring procedures.  The mechanism of the compression garments is to reduce swelling and bruising as well as discomfort to the surgical areas.  Compression bras should be snug and fit, which allows for reduced swelling and also maintains positioning of the implants without malposition, also reducing swelling and edema.  However, there should not be direct midline contact and therefore a 4×4 gauze may be placed as a spacer for these patients.

The upper pole compression band is another form of a garment that helps to reduce upper pole fullness.  It also allows the implants to be inferiorly displaced, reducing upper pole fullness that is unnatural, and is useful for lowering of the implant immediately postsurgically.

Mid-Thigh Girdle by Contour

Abdominal binders are used on abdominoplasty and tumescent lipectomy lipo-sculpted patients.  These are worn for at least six weeks, if not longer.  This allows for reduced swelling and edema.  It also helps to reduce pain and discomfort.  When contouring the thighs, girdles are usually worn that can be from the hip area or above the hip area, if the upper abdominal area is suctioned, down to the mid-thigh region or down to the knee, as necessary.

These compression garments may also be used on mastectomy patients of course, which helps to provide support and maximum compression after recovery.  The material should be soft, often combinations of Spandex as well as cotton.  This will reduce irritation and abrasion.  Normally, the compression garments are worn continuously for a prolonged period of time in order to maintain shape of the implants postoperatively and prevent malposition of the implants.