Why Is Wearing a Compression Garment Important After Aesthetic Surgery?

Aesthetic surgery is often chosen to achieve a more fit, firm, and aesthetically pleasing body contour. After procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast surgery, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), and body contouring operations, patients are commonly advised to wear special medical compression garments. In the postoperative period, wearing a compression garment is not merely a cosmetic recommendation—it is an essential part of the healing process.

What Is a Compression Garment?

A compression garment is a specially designed medical garment that gently compresses and supports the body after surgery.

• Helps reduce postoperative swelling and edema
• Supports tissue healing
• Assists in maintaining the body’s new shape

Unlike standard shapewear, postoperative compression garments are made from breathable, elastic, seamless materials and are specifically designed for prolonged medical use.

Why Is Compression Garment Use Important After Aesthetic Surgery?

1. Reduces Swelling and Edema

After surgery, fluid accumulation in the tissues is common, leading to swelling and edema. Compression garments apply controlled, even pressure, which helps reduce fluid buildup and promotes faster elimination of excess fluid.

2. Improves Blood Circulation

Compression garments support healthy blood circulation, which helps:

• Speed up the healing process
• Reduce the risk of blood clot formation
• Improve tissue oxygenation and nourishment

3. Supports Postoperative Shaping

After procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, spaces may form beneath the skin. Compression garments help these areas heal evenly, allowing the skin to adhere smoothly to underlying tissues and resulting in a firmer, more contoured appearance.

4. Promotes Faster Scar Healing

Tension around incision sites is common after surgery. Compression garments help stabilize these areas, reducing strain and supporting more efficient scar healing.

5. Provides Comfort and a Sense of Security

Compression garments offer both physical and psychological comfort. By supporting the body, they reduce pain during movement and allow patients to perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence.

After Which Procedures Are Compression Garments Used?

Compression garments are an integral part of recovery after many aesthetic procedures:

• Liposuction: To reduce swelling and help the body adapt to new contours
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): To support the abdominal muscles and skin
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): To help maintain the new shape of the buttocks
• Breast Surgery: After breast augmentation, reduction, or lift for support
• Arm and Thigh Lift: To promote firm and controlled healing

How Long Should a Compression Garment Be Worn?

The duration of compression garment use depends on the type of surgery and individual healing speed. However, general recommendations include:

• First 4–6 weeks: Full-time use (approximately 24 hours a day, removed only for showering)
• After week 6: Continued use for shorter periods, as advised by the surgeon

Consistent use plays a critical role in achieving long-lasting surgical results.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Compression Garment

Postoperative compression garments differ significantly from regular shapewear. Choosing the wrong product may cause skin irritation or negatively affect healing.

Key factors to consider include:

• Medical-grade certification
• Proper sizing
• Breathable fabric
• Seamless and flexible design

Following your surgeon’s recommendations regarding brands and models is always the safest approach.

Important Tips for Using Compression Garments

• Clean your garment regularly and maintain proper hygiene
• Inform your surgeon if you experience redness, irritation, or itching
• Wear the garment for the full duration recommended by your surgeon
• Avoid long periods without wearing the garment, as this may negatively impact healing

The Role of Compression Garments in Postoperative Recovery

Wearing a compression garment after aesthetic surgery is not optional—it is a vital component of a smooth and successful recovery. When used correctly and consistently, swelling decreases, scars heal more effectively, the body’s new shape is preserved, and patients can return to daily life more comfortably and quickly.

Since every procedure has unique recovery requirements, the most accurate guidance on compression garment use should always come from your plastic surgeon, based on your individual surgical plan.

Physician Information

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sedat Tatar is a Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery specialist who is Double Board Certified by two international boards. He holds the titles of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS).

His international professional memberships include ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

His clinic is located in Istanbul and is officially authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health as a Health Tourism Center. His company is registered in the United Kingdom & Wales.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone No : +90 (555) 100 10 83
Contact Link : [email protected]
Address : Levent District, Karanfil Araligi Street No: 18 Besiktas/ISTANBUL