Plastic surgery compression garments

A garment may be recommended after procedures involving the abdomen, chest, limbs, face, or neck. It can limit movement of healing tissues and provide a consistent layer of support while swelling settles. It should feel firm but should not cause severe pain, numbness, colour change, or difficulty breathing.

The prescription is individual. The team chooses the garment shape, pressure, fabric, and wearing schedule around the incision, drains, dressings, skin condition, and type of surgery. Compression is not a substitute for wound care, movement advice, or treatment of an underlying lymphatic problem.

Have the surgical team show you how to put it on without pulling across an incision or catching a drain. Check the skin each time it is removed, wash the garment as instructed, and keep a spare if the schedule requires regular wear. Do not alter seams, add extra padding, or sleep in it unless your clinician has said to do so.

Swelling can change during recovery, so a garment that fitted on one visit may need review later. If swelling persists, ask whether lymphoedema therapy or another assessment is appropriate.

Remove the garment and contact your care team if it causes worsening pain, tingling, numbness, coldness, blue or pale skin, blistering, a pressure mark that does not fade, or increased drainage. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, sudden limb swelling, or severe allergic symptoms.

How many hours should I wear the garment, and when may I remove it? What fit and pressure are right for my incision, how should I check my skin, and what should I do if swelling or discomfort increases?