Compression Garments

Compression garments are used as part of a comprehensive after care program for cosmetic breast surgery patients. The vast majority of patients use compression bras which help their wounds to heal faster and better, with less chance of scarring. Compression bras should be approved by your surgeon prior to undergoing any plastic surgery procedure.

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 insure proper healing. The typical benefits of a quality compression bra include:

* Improves blood circulation
* Prevents sagging skin and tissue
* Supports the breasts, minimizing pressure on new incisions
* Prevents incisions from stretching, reducing scar formation
* Helps a patient acclimate to the weight of breast implants
* Reduces breast movement to increase patient comfort
* Minimizes swelling, fluid buildup and risk of complications
* Increases healing rate
* Encourages patient activity

Types of Compression Bra

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. 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.

Recommendation on Compression Garments

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 insure excellent final aesthetic results.

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Compression Garments to Breast Augmentation & Breast Reduction
11/30/07 Revised 3/7/08