Compression garments after a mommy makeover

Because a mommy makeover can combine abdominal and breast procedures, one garment may not suit every operated area. Your surgical team should specify the style, placement, and wearing schedule for your operation.

Gentle, even pressure can support healing tissues, limit movement that feels uncomfortable, and help manage postoperative swelling. It does not replace wound care, prescribed medicines, walking, or follow-up appointments.

The garment should lie smoothly over dressings and avoid pressing on drains, incisions, or newly shaped breast tissue. A crease or rolled edge can create a concentrated pressure point even when the overall size seems correct.

Put the garment on as demonstrated before discharge. Fasten it evenly, check that you can take a full breath, and inspect exposed skin for rubbing, deep marks, colour change, or numbness. Keep the fabric clean and dry according to its washing instructions.

Ask before changing sizes, adding extra shapewear, or placing padding under the garment. If swelling changes or the garment becomes loose, the surgical team can check whether an adjustment or replacement is appropriate.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing one-sided swelling, worsening redness, warmth, drainage, an opening incision, new numbness, blistering, or pain that is intensifying rather than settling. Remove or loosen the garment if instructed while you await advice.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or a suddenly painful and swollen calf. These symptoms require assessment rather than a tighter garment.

Confirm which areas need compression, whether the garment may be removed for washing and bathing, how to handle it around drains, and what fit changes should prompt a review. Ask whom to contact outside clinic hours if a skin or wound concern appears.