Liposuction Compression Garment: What You Need to Know
Having liposuction or surgery can interfere with the function of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that carries lymphocytes, those critical immune cells that protect against viruses and bacteria. After liposuction plastic surgery, your surgeon may tell you to get a liposuction compression garment. Here are the basics about these medical devices:
What Is a Liposuction Compression Garment?
A liposuction compression garment is a garment that you wear after plastic surgery. It’s made of a mesh fabric that supports, or compresses, the lymphatic system. Putting pressure on the lymphatic system helps fluid and blood flow more easily through your blood vessels, so you don’t have the severe swelling and fluid accumulation that often occurs after surgery when you’re immobile or doing only light physical activity.
There are a lot of compression garments on the market. You can find compression socks, compression arm sleeves, and compression stockings in thigh high and knee high lengths. For liposuction surgery, your doctor will recommend a full-body liposuction compression garment.
How Long Do I Wear Them?
Your surgeon will give you the specifics on how long to wear them, but you’ll probably need to wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week for three to six months until you’re fully healed. Today’s liposuction compression garments are made of elastic fabric that aren’t too bulky, so you can wear them under clothes. Think of them like a healthy girdle for your body.
What Type of Liposuction Compression Garment Is Best?
Researchers from Houston, Texas, conducted a study evaluating two types of liposuction compression garments: those made from a control garment called PowerNet and those made from an elastic fabric technology called F5-certified experimental garment, or ComfortWeave. Patients tested both types of garments, which covered them from below the breasts to mid-calf, for 30 days and then completed an extensive survey about their experiences.
The results? 82% of the patients preferred the ComfortWeave garments made by Marena, compared to the control-top like garments. Participants said the Marena garments were softer and created a better-fitting shape. They reported the control garment was itchier and caused more skin irritation. The researchers concluded that the F5 garments made it easier for patients to comply with their doctors’ recommendations to wear liposuction compression garments.
Liposuction compression garments, like those manufactured by Marena, are labeled by stage – first, second, third. The stage refers to the stage of recovery you’re in – so certain ones you wear right away after surgery (first), others you wear in the second stage like camisoles and girdles (second), and the third you wear when you’re almost healed. The earlier the stage, the stronger the compression level, or how tightly the fabric pushes on your lymphatic system.
Where Do You Buy a Lipo Compression Garment?
You can buy liposuction compression garments online; there are several brands and varieties to choose from:
One reviewer says: “This is the best bodysuit I’ve found. It truly does everything I need it to do. It offers great support without feeling like your grandmother’s girdle. AND because of the very generous gusset atea, it is actually possible to use the bathroom without incident.”
Another reports: “This is the BEST full-body shaper I’ve found! It’s just the right support, not too hot, the underwires don’t poke (although at an “F” cup size I find the support could be better) and you can wear a bra underneath if you want.”
Here’s what one reviewer says about Marena compression garments: “I’m in love with this compression garment. I had a tummy tuck and my plastic surgeon recommended me to start using a second stage garment so I decided to try this one and I don’t regret it, it’s lightweight but it provides the necessary compression, I was using a Veronique one and this one is much better and cheaper. I would recommend this garment to anyone looking for 2nd stage garment.”
- Marena Support Girdle with Medium Legs (F5 Certified Compression Garment with ComfortWeave)
- Marena Support Girdle with Short Legs (F5 Certified Compression Garment with ComfortWeave)
One user expressed her surprise about this garment: “I was a bit concerned when I received this item. I had purchased it thinking it had shoulder straps to hold it up. It doesn’t. however the item does not fall or roll down. It provides great support, without binding or hurting you. I am very happy with it.”
Categories: Liposuction Compression Garment Tags: lipo compression, Liposuction Compression Garment, plastic surgery
Debulking and Lymphedema
Debulking is a type of surgery sometimes used in patients with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling and fluid accumulation in the upper or lower extremities.
Generally, the fluid accumulation associated with lymphedema is treated with compression therapy and compression garments. Bandages or gauze are wrapped around the affected limb, and a supportive stocking or arm sleeve that compresses the lymph and blood vessels is placed on top. This process of wrapping and applying compression garments, though it can sometimes get tedious, helps support the lymph system and helps the person’s body better eliminate the extra fluid buildup.
A person with lymphedema may also need to use a sequential compressive device, or compression pumps, which provide intermittent pressure to the arm or leg to help the body get rid of extra fluid. People with lymphedema slide their arms or legs into a sleeve and turn on the compression pumps. The sleeves inflate with air and add pressure to the limb.
In some cases, though, a person may have such severe lymphedema that he or she may investigate surgical therapies. If a person has oozing, weeping lymph fluid, can’t walk or do regular activities at home, or experiences daily severe pain because of lymphedema, surgical therapy could be an option. Doctors stress that debulking surgery for lymphedema doesn’t cure the condition, and in some cases, it may worsen.
There are several different ways that surgeons may attempt to debulk a lymphedema patient and improve the person’s ability to drain lymph fluid. The most common type of debulking is making a small skin flap and removing a small portion of skin and underlying tissue. Surgeons then close the wound and allow it to heal. A few months later, surgeons repeat the same approach in a different area of the affected limb.
Sometimes suction is used to help with debulking, by using a vacuum to suck up underlying tissue, but lymphedema often comes back quickly after this procedure. And in rare cases, a technique is used to take all skin and subcutaneous tissue from the affected limb. Then doctors graft the person’s cut-away skin back onto the body. There are many life-threatening complications associated with this type of surgery.
In all cases, there are serious complications associated with debulking and lymphedema. A patient may experience nerve damage, increased risk of bacterial infection, ulcers, large scar tissue formation, weeping sores, and cosmetic skin problems after debulking.
Note: All information on About Compression Stockings is for your education purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor or health care provider.
Categories: Lymphedema Tags: debulk, debulking, Lymphedema
Lymphedema Arm Sleeve: What You Need to Know Before Buying
If you have arm lymphedema, your doctor may recommend compression therapy to help reduce fluid from collecting in your upper extremities. Before you buy a special sleeve for your lymphedema, here are some of the most common questions users often have about these compressive garments.
How They Work
With compressive therapy, your arm is covered in several layers of gauze, bandages, or other fabric, and then topped off with a lymphedema arm sleeve. The sleeve is made of a tightly woven mesh fabric that supports and protects the lymph network in your arm. The fibers of the sleeve press on the blood vessels and lymph network, making it easier for your body to eliminate extra fluid
Types
A lymphedema arm sleeve varies by the level of compression it provides and the fabric used to construct the sleeve. People with mild to moderate lymphedema may require sleeves in the 20-30 mmHg range. Mmhg stands for millimeter of mercury, a unit of measuring pressure. When it comes to compression garments, mmHg refers to how tightly the elastic medical compression stockings support the veins in the arm. The higher the mmHg number, the more firmly the sleeve will squeeze the patient’s arm. People with more severe lymphedema may need arm lymphedema sleeves in the 30 to 40mmHg or greater range. A doctor, nurse, or therapist can recommend the level of compression that is best for your situation.
Lymphedema arm sleeves are constructed from a variety of fabrics. Nylon arm sleeves, available in lower compression levels, are easier to put on and provide sleek support under clothes. They’re less noticeable, so many people with lymphedema choose them.
A silk arm sleeve is another common type of lymphedema arm sleeve. These sleeves are known for their durability and breathability. Although most lymphedema sleeves require replacement after six months or so because the fibers stop supporting the lymph network properly, silk arm sleeves are less likely to stretch and may last a year or more.
People with more severe cases of lymphedema or who want a more comfortable sleeve may also choose microfiber sleeves. These sleeves are available in a variety of colors, are easier to wash, and users report that they’re much more comfortable.
Brands
Some popular lymphedema arm sleeve brands and styles are:
LympheDiva 20-30 mmHg (available in White, Black, and Fuschia):
A user from Maryland writes: “If you have to wear a compression sleeve, you might as well do it in style. The ladies that own and run this company have come up with a fashionable way to handle the lymphedema that comes as a result of surgery, especially surgery related to breast cancer. Women who feel vulnerable can take special pride in wearing these sleeves. They are colorful, bold, and ask for passerbys to comment upon. Go for it ladies!”
Juzo Arm Lymphedema Sleeve (30-40mmHg):
Here’s what one user says about this sleeve: “I just went to a tighter sleeve and was worried that it would be really hard to get on. It is harder than the looser one, but goes on easily with a donning glove. It’s controlling my lymphedema better too. I really like the silicone band–it doesn’t fall down!”
Juzo Arm Lymphedema Sleeve 20-30 mmHg
A user writes: “Very comfortable. The length is just right. much better than other products I’ve purchased elsewhere in the past.”
Where to Buy
You can find lymphedema products and armsleeves at your local medical supply store or online, both through popular websites like Amazon and online medical suppliers. Make sure that when you purchase a sleeve you’re getting the compression level (in mmHg) that your doctor recommends for you. He or she may even provide you with a specific prescription and brand that would work best for your situation.
Categories: Lymphedema Tags: armsleeves, compression sleeves, lymphedema arm sleeve, lymphedema sleeves
Buying Lymphedema Products
For many people with lymphedema, the first step toward improving lymphedema involves buying lymphedema products from a reliable source. You may hold in your hands a prescription from your health care provider, but 1) have no idea what you’re buying, 2) have no idea where to purchase it, and 3) feel unsure that you’re getting the most features or capabilities for your money.
Feeling confused and concerned about the cost of lymphedema products, patients may put off purchases or even ignore their doctor’s suggestions for buying lymphedema products that could make their lives easier and their health better. Fortunately there are a few simple tips that can make selecting products easier.
1. Go with your doctor or health care provider’s advice. Usually, people with lymphedema need a few items, including compression stockings or arm sleeves, lymphedema bandages and foam padding, sequential compression devices or compression pumps, and other durable medical supplies. For compression stockings, your doctor may recommend a brand like Mediven, Jobst, Juzo, or Sigvaris.
For sequential compression devices, your doctor may recommend a brand like PresSion, Flexitouch, BioCompression, Wright Therapy, or Kendall. Both compression garments and compression pumps are medical devices, can be somewhat complicated to operate if you’re new to using them and may require assistance to learn how to use properly. It’s tempting to go with an off-name brand to save a few bucks, but your doctor made a recommendation for a tested product for your situation, so it’s advisable to follow the advice of someone familiar with your specific health situation.
2. Don’t purchase a used or refurbished model – you don’t know what you’re getting! Going with a used model could put your health at risk if it doesn’t work properly. The investment you make in a compression pump machine will be one of the most important investments you make because it will help you live a longer and healthier life, allowing you to succeed at work and home and spend more time with family and friends. Unauthorized dealers may purchase your sequential compression device from a middleman. They may not work properly and you will never know. In addition, you may pay a significant amount of money and not have warranty coverage. The risk isn’t worth it.
3. Avoid websites that offer cheaper brands when buying lymphedema products. Instead, look for a website that offers machines with warranties from the quality manufacturers (PresSion, Kendall, Flexitouch, BioCompression, or Wright Therapy, or Jobst, Juzo, Mediven, and Sigvaris) and offers free customer care and support. When you’re buying equipment that costs you or your insurance company hundreds to thousands of dollars, you deserve access to customer support if you need it.
4. Look for brands recommended by recognizable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society. If you’re unsure about a specific brand, contact the manufacturer for information about their product offerings, warranties, customer service, and more, so you can compare.