After any cosmetic or plastic surgery intervention, we use postoperative compression garments. These may be girdles, bras, bandages, etc., depending on the type of intervention or the area operated on.

What is the reason for using postoperative compression garments?

The purpose of these garments is multiple:

• Firstly, they reduce post-operative inflammation. By applying compression to an area that has been operated on, which will undoubtedly suffer inflammation, we prevent this tissue inflammation from getting worse. That is, by compressing an area, we do not allow the accumulation of fluids and tissue dilation to reach its maximum.
• Secondly, the use of post-operative compression garments will prevent or minimise the accumulation of fluids in the areas operated on. This is why it will reduce the risk of the appearance of haematomas and seromas (accumulation of fluids in cavities generated by surgery). Or in the event that these appear, it will favour their reabsorption.
• Thirdly, it will help us to shape the operated area, to achieve the result we are looking for with the intervention. That is, it will help us to maintain the shape achieved with the surgery, minimising fibrosis of the tissues.
• And lastly, it will provide protection or security to the patient. It will protect the operated area, holding the tissues in place, and making the patient feel more protected.

What postoperative compression garments are we talking about?

In the case of body surgery, such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, we will use compression girdles fitted to the area of ​​the operation, preventing them from creating folds to achieve an optimal postoperative result. If we talk about breast surgery, we will use postoperative bras that compress the breast so that it heals correctly. In some cases of breast surgery, the use of breast compression bands may also be necessary. For facial surgery, it depends on the surgery. In rhinoplasty, we will place a soft splint to minimize inflammation of the soft tissues, as well as a hard or thermoplastic splint, for the correct healing of the bone. In otoplasty, we will place a compression band or tape. For cervicofacial lifting, we will first use a bandage and then a girdle.

And then there are areas that cannot be bandaged, such as the eyelids, where we will perform proper splinting with other materials.

Dr. Patricia Martínez is a registered plastic surgeon, member of the College of Physicians of Valencia and SECPRE (Spanish Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery).