What should you know about post surgical compression wear?

A garment applies measured pressure to the skin and underlying tissues. After an operation, this may support movement of fluid, reduce a sense of heaviness, and protect healing areas from rubbing. It does not replace wound care, prescribed medicines, or assessment of a new swelling.

The right design depends on the body region, incision, drains, skin condition, and reason for compression. A garment that rolls, digs into an edge, causes numbness, or leaves marked colour change is not fitting well.

Have a trained clinician or garment fitter check the size and pressure. Put it on with clean, dry skin and smooth folds away from the incision. Wear it for the schedule provided, remove it for skin checks as instructed, and wash it according to the care label so its shape and pressure are maintained.

Check the skin for blisters, rubbing, new rash, or worsening tenderness. Do not cut, pin, or modify the garment. If swelling persists or affects an arm or leg after lymph-node surgery, your team may consider lymphoedema therapy and a revised compression plan.

Remove the garment and contact your care team if you develop increasing pain, numbness, tingling, coldness, pale or blue skin, or rapidly worsening swelling. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden weakness.

Ask what pressure and garment shape you need, how long to wear it, whether it should cover the incision or a drain, and how to check circulation. Ask how to replace it and what to do if swelling changes.