Post-Op Garments in Your Plastic Surgery Recovery
Whether you’re considering a Breast Augmentation, Facelift, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), or any other Plastic Surgery procedure, understanding the significance of post-operative garments can make all the difference to your recovery. In this guide, we’ll explore why post-op garments are an essential component of the Optimal Recovery Plan, how long you should wear compression garments, how many you’ll need, how your post-op garment should fit, and where to shop for them.Â
What is a Post-Operative Garment?
Post-operative compression garments are made from stretchable and breathable materials that provide gentle, even pressure to enhance the healing process. This extra layer of support promotes healing, reduces pain, minimises swelling, and helps to stabilise the treated area.
Why are post-op garments important?
Proper healing and recovery are paramount for achieving optimal results after a Plastic Surgery procedure. Your final results are largely dependent on how you take care of yourself during the recovery period. That’s why these garments aren’t optional – they’re essential. They help aid your body’s natural healing processes, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.
Minimises Swelling
Post-surgery swelling is a natural response, but excessive fluid buildup can prolong discomfort and delay your recovery. Compression garments help to assist your body in absorbing excess fluids. This gentle, even pressure ensures that fluids are redistributed effectively, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery experience.
Reduces Bruising
Surgery often disrupts blood vessels, leading to bruising. Post-operative garments prevent blood cells from migrating towards the skin, reducing the appearance of bruises.
Alleviates Discomfort
By reducing swelling and promoting circulation, compression garments help to reduce post-operative pain, enhancing your comfort during the recovery period.
Helps Blood Circulation
Restricted mobility post-surgery can lead to improper blood circulation and in some cases, blood clot formation. Compression garments promote effective blood circulation, reducing these risks and further facilitating the healing process.
How long do I need to wear a Post-operative garment?
Wearing compression garments will be critical to your recovery. The length of time you will need to wear your post-surgery garment will naturally vary according to the type of procedure, how your recovery is progressing and most importantly, your CosMediTour Plastic Surgeon’s advice. For optimal recovery, it is important you follow your Surgeon’s advice closely.
As a general guide for clients the time you’ll need to wear your Compression Garment is broken into 3 phases:
Stage 1
This initial recovery phase lasts anywhere from four to six weeks post-surgery. During this period post-operative garments are to be worn at all times, except when showering.
Stage 2
As the initial swelling subsides, you transition to less compressive garments, which offer more comfort and flexibility. It is recommended you wear these for a further two to eight weeks. These garments can be removed at night.
Stage 3
By this stage, your surgical results should become more visible, and significant post-operative swelling should have subsided. Depending on your progress, your Plastic Surgeon may recommend continued use of compression garments to aid your recovery.
How Many Compression Garments Do I Need?
Why We Recommend Buying Extra Compression Garments
To ensure a seamless and comfortable recovery process, we highly recommend purchasing more than one post-operative garment.
Having extra post-op garments at your disposal means you can always have clean garments readily available as you progress through your healing journey. This eliminates the need to constantly wash and dry the same garments, ensuring that you maintain the highest standards of hygiene and comfort throughout your recovery.
As you continue into the next stage of your recovery, you will likely want to move onto less compressive options. While compression is crucial during the early stages of recovery, as your healing progresses, you may find that garments with lighter compression offer the comfort and support you need.Â
How should my Post-Op Garment Fit?
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Proper fit is paramount when it comes to post-operative garments. The effectiveness of these garments in creating an optimal healing environment is closely linked to how well they fit your body.
As a guide, a well-fitting and effective post-surgery garment should:
- Exert enough pressure to support and compress without being overly tight
- Lay smoothly against your skin
- Doesn’t bunch up or feel bulky
- Allow for proper blood flow and oxygen circulation
- Not hinder circulation or lead to fluid build up
- Not constrict to the point of making limbs feel numb or ‘fall asleep’
You can gauge the fit by checking if a hand can easily slide underneath the garment without causing strain or discomfort.
Where to get post-operative garments in australia
Where to buy post-op garments
For those seeking budget-friendly options, we recommend:
- Kmart’s practical and affordable 2-Pack Wire-Free Post-Surgery Crop
- Target’s Seamfree Post-Surgery Bra
Premium post-surgery garments include:
- Lorna Jane’s ‘The One’ sports bra, known for its quality and support.
- Additionally, Exquisite Bodies offers a range of post-surgical bras to cater to your specific needs as you recover.
Concealing Your Compression Garment
After your procedure, as you gradually return to your daily activities and social life, you may understandably want to conceal your compression garment. Here are some tips to help you confidently conceal your compression garment:
Opt for a Nude Shade
Consider wearing a compression garment in a nude or skin-tone shade that closely matches your skin color. This can make it less conspicuous under your clothing.
Choose Clothing with Thicker Fabric
When selecting your clothing, opt for thicker fabrics that provide better coverage and hide the contours of your compression garment. Fabrics like denim or wool can be great choices.
Accessories
Don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Scarves, statement necklaces, and jewelry can draw attention upward and away from the area where you’re wearing the compression garment.
Layering
Layering is an excellent way to conceal your compression garment discreetly. Consider wearing loose-fitting outer clothing, such as oversized shirts, blouses, or jackets, which not only hide the garment but also offer comfort and style.
Ultimately, the key is to choose comfortable outfits that make you feel at ease. Loose-fitting, flowy clothing can not only help conceal your compression garment but also ensure your comfort as you continue your recovery journey.
Further Information
To learn more about recovery following Plastic Surgery procedures, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.