Purpose of Compression Garments

Compression garments are commonly recommended for surgical patients, athletes, edema patients and anyone with poor circulation. This type of clothing is meant to improve and accelerate healing, promote good blood circulation, and reduce the risk of soreness and injury from strenuous exercise. The garments offer various degrees of pressure, and some high-level compression garments may require a prescription from a doctor.

Function

• Compression garments apply even pressure over any area which may be suffering from uneven circulation, and are commonly used in liposuction. They reduce the chances of severe bruising and swelling, referred to as osmotic edema. According to Peak Performance, they may also allow athletes to perform better with lower energy expended and reduce the amount of lactate released into the blood.

Types

• Compression garments are available to cover many different parts of the body. Compression girdles are commonly used by people who have had abdominoplasties (tummy tucks), or liposuction in the lower part of the body. Abdominal binders, surgical compression bras, compression sleeves and longer-length garments are also available. Athletes may choose compression shorts, leg wraps, or stockings. Compression stockings are also common treatments for people who suffer from edema in the feet and lower legs.

Time Frame

• Compression garments are worn for different lengths of time depending on the situation. Some surgical patients may be able to wear compression garments for only a few days, while others may need to wear them for weeks. In some cases, first-stage compression garments, which provide firm pressure, are worn 24 hours a day until healing has reached a certain point. After that, patients wear lighter second-stage compression garments. Athletic compression garments are worn only for the duration of the physical activity.

Considerations

• Because medical compression garments must be worn for long periods of time, they may get dirty quickly. Surgical patients may wish to purchase two sets of each type of compression garment they need, in order to wear one while washing the other. Discontinuing the use of compression before ordered by a doctor or surgeon may slow the healing process. When wearing compression to improve performance, it's important to discuss the compression level and duration with a doctor.

Warning

• Excessive compression after a surgical procedure may cause undesirable results, including edema. Too much pressure may prolong swelling and increase the amount of fluid trapped under the skin. After drainage has stopped, excessive compression may impair the normal function of capillaries under the skin. Inadequate compression may allow fluid to accumulate inside the wound.