Stage 1 post-surgical compression garment

A compression garment applies controlled pressure over a defined area. After surgery, it may help support healing tissues, limit movement, manage swelling, or make activity more comfortable, depending on the operation and the clinician’s goal. Stage 1 usually refers to a lighter level of compression, but labels vary between products and services.

The garment should feel supportive rather than sharply painful. It must not create numbness, colour change, cold skin, breathing difficulty, or pressure over a wound or drain. It is not a substitute for wound care, prescribed medicines, movement guidance, or follow-up.

Use the garment for the hours advised by your surgical team and follow their instructions about putting it on, removing it, washing it, and sleeping in it. Check the skin and incision when it is removed. Keep the fabric smooth, dry, and free of folds; wrinkles can concentrate pressure. Do not alter the garment or add extra layers beneath it unless advised.

The correct size should stay in place without rolling or cutting into the skin. Lymphoedema Therapy may help when swelling needs specialist assessment, fitting, movement advice, or skin care. Bring the garment to follow-up if the fit changes as swelling settles.

Remove the garment and contact your care team promptly if you develop increasing pain, numbness, pins and needles, marked swelling beyond the garment, skin blistering, a new rash, or blue, pale, or cold skin. Follow urgent-care instructions for your operation if the incision opens, drains heavily, or becomes increasingly red.

Seek emergency help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or new weakness. Do not put the garment back on until a clinician advises you when symptoms suggest that its pressure or fit may be unsafe.

Ask: Why do I need this garment? What pressure and size are intended? How long should I wear it each day? May I wear it overnight or during exercise? How should I protect the incision? Which skin or circulation changes mean I should stop using it?