Compression garments are specialized post-surgical clothing that aid in the recovery process. They’re made of elastic or cloth materials and facilitate a tight fit, applying constant and uniform pressure over the treatment areas.
When someone cuts themselves, a piece of cloth or bandage is wrapped tightly around the damaged skin. This is done to reduce the pain and swelling through compression.
Compression garments work on a similar principle after surgeries. They apply pressure to the treatment areas to reduce the pain and swelling, reducing post-operative discomfort and facilitating optimal recovery.
Compression garments come in various shapes and sizes depending on the treatment areas and your body type. Furthermore, they must be custom-designed to ensure optimal compression — not too loose or tight. When worn correctly, they prevent fluid accumulation around the wounds and minimize swelling. High-quality compression garments are also anti-microbial, breathable, and they minimize the risk of infections.
Doctors generally recommend post-surgical compression garments with light to medium pressure, ranging from 17-20mmHG. If the compression level is too high, they restrict blood flow and cause potential complications. If the compression is too low, they’re essentially ineffective and don’t provide any benefits. You should rely on your surgeon to provide the ideal compression garments for your body type and surgery.
