What should you know about a BBL compression garment?

The garment is generally intended to provide even support over areas where fat was removed. Its design should avoid unwanted pressure on areas where fat was placed. Instructions differ with the operation, healing and garment style, so the surgeon's plan takes priority.

A correctly fitted garment should lie smoothly and feel supportive without causing sharp pain, numbness or restricted breathing. Rolled edges, deep grooves and bunching can concentrate pressure. Openings and seams should sit where the surgical team intended, away from tender incisions whenever possible.

Swelling changes during recovery, so a garment that fitted earlier may later become loose or overly tight. Do not add padding, cut the fabric or move to stronger compression unless the team has explained how to do so.

Put it on gently, following the fastening sequence shown by the clinic, and avoid dragging fabric across healing skin. Check the skin when the garment is removed for washing or personal care. Keep the material clean and dry according to its label, and have another approved garment available if continuous wear has been prescribed.

Confirm when it may be removed, whether it should be worn during sleep, and how sitting restrictions affect its use. Record new pressure marks or swelling with a photo if the clinical team asks you to monitor changes.

Remove or loosen the garment as previously directed and contact the surgical team promptly if it causes increasing pain, persistent numbness, skin blistering, dusky colour or worsening one-sided swelling. Fever, spreading redness, foul drainage or an opening wound also needs assessment. Seek emergency help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting or coughing blood.

Ask which garment and size are appropriate, where compression should and should not be applied, and how often fit should be reassessed. Request clear instructions for washing, skin checks, sleeping and sitting, plus a contact number for concerns outside clinic hours.