What should you know about post plastic surgery compression garments?

Surgery can cause swelling, bruising, tenderness, and altered sensation around the treated area. A garment may hold dressings in place and provide even pressure while tissues heal. It should not press directly on a fresh incision unless your team has approved that design. A garment that bunches, rolls, or creates a deep mark may need adjustment or professional refitting.

Follow the prescribed hours of wear and remove the garment only as directed. Wash it according to its care instructions and let it dry fully before use. Check the skin each day, especially at edges and near drains, dressings, or stitches. Keep movement gentle at first, avoid altering the garment yourself, and attend planned wound and fitting reviews. If swelling extends into another area, mention it rather than adding extra layers.

Report increasing pain, rapidly worsening swelling, new drainage, spreading redness, fever, or an incision that opens. Take off the garment and seek urgent advice if the skin becomes cold, pale, blue, blistered, or increasingly numb. Chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or sudden weakness needs emergency care.

Ask which garment shape is suitable, whether it can cover your dressings, how much pressure is intended, and when you may sleep or exercise in it. Confirm how to manage washing, skin irritation, drains, and a garment that feels different as swelling changes.