Body compression garments for lymphoedema care

Garments for the trunk, chest, breast, abdomen, or genital region differ from ordinary shapewear. A lymphoedema professional chooses the style and pressure according to the location, shape, skin condition, circulation, movement, and pattern of swelling.

The garment gives the tissues firm external support. When muscles move beneath it, that resistance can encourage lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area and can limit further fluid accumulation. Compression is usually one part of care alongside movement, skin care, and specialist lymphatic techniques.

More pressure is not automatically more helpful. A garment that rolls, folds, digs into a crease, or leaves a tight band can concentrate pressure and damage skin. Changes in body size or swelling can also turn a previously suitable garment into a poor fit.

Put it on using the method taught by your lymphoedema practitioner, spreading the fabric evenly and smoothing wrinkles without folding the edges. Follow your individual schedule for daytime, exercise, travel, and sleep rather than copying another person’s routine. Application aids may help if grip, reach, or strength is limited.

Check the covered skin and nearby areas each day for rubbing, broken skin, new swelling, or pressure marks that do not settle. Wash and dry the garment according to its care label. Arrange reassessment if it slips, bunches, becomes difficult to apply, or no longer controls swelling.

Remove the garment and contact your lymphoedema service promptly if it causes new pain, numbness, pins and needles, unusual coldness, or a colour change in the skin beyond it. These can indicate excessive pressure or impaired circulation and need a fit and safety review.

Red, hot, rapidly more swollen, or painful skin, especially with fever or feeling unwell, may indicate cellulitis and needs urgent medical assessment. Seek advice before putting compression back on. Broken, fragile, or leaking skin also requires guidance about whether compression should continue.

Ask where the garment should end, how firm it should feel, which marks are acceptable, when it should be worn, and how to wash it. Confirm what to do during a skin infection and how to request remeasurement if swelling or body size changes.