What should you know about a whole body compression suit?

Compression garments are close-fitting items designed to apply pressure over selected body areas. A full-body suit may be considered when swelling affects more than one region, including after cancer treatment or when lymphatic drainage is impaired. It supports symptom management; it does not remove the underlying cause of lymphoedema.

Pressure must be distributed appropriately. A garment that rolls, bunches, pinches, causes numbness, or leaves marked colour change may be poorly fitted or unsuitable. Skin folds and surgical scars also need attention.

Have a lymphoedema specialist or other qualified clinician assess the swelling, circulation, skin, movement, and garment needs before purchase. Put it on as instructed, check the skin after removal, and keep the fabric clean and dry. Lymphoedema therapy may combine compression with exercise, skin care, movement, and hands-on techniques.

Remove the suit and contact your care team if you develop new numbness, tingling, pain, coldness, marked colour change, or worsening swelling. Seek prompt medical help for sudden one-sided swelling, warmth, redness, chest pain, or breathlessness, since these may need assessment beyond garment management.

Ask which areas need compression, how the suit should fit, how long to wear it, and how to check your skin and circulation. Ask what to do if the garment becomes uncomfortable or if swelling changes after surgery, radiotherapy, or exercise.