Compression Protocols for
Plastic Surgery Recovery
The bulk of the confusion for most clients is the protocol necessary to control swelling, pain, stiffness, and promoting the optimal final results of their healing. Although the following protocols can vary surgeon to surgeon and case by case, we are confident in this protocol from years of experience working with BBL, Lipo 360, and that like.
Compression is Key
You want the compression to be the main reason why your swelling comes down while recovering. However, lymphatic drainage and vacuum therapy have been known to help greatly with taking the edge off the discomfort associated. However, if the compression garments and accessories are not fitting the client properly, they not be able to maximize on the help to feel better and heal better from these compression garments, foams, and boards. Although it is difficult to find fajas in Sacramento , they can be ordered online and are readily available in a variety of online stores. The following is some general information about compression garments and accessories. If you feel you need a private consultation to help you with your compression protocol in person or by zoom, you can book an appointmetn with us.
Stage 1 Faja
Usually worn in the first 7-14+ days and then swapped out for a Stage 2 Garment. Stage 1 is usually paired with white surgical foams and possibly an ab board for a BBL and Lipo 360, but for tummy tuck it is not recommended until much, much later. A stage one is stretchier by nature with hook and eye latches roughly an inch apart, usually with a zipper. A stage 2 faja however, will be much tighter, have 14-19 hook and eyes (I've counted) and are adjustable in the waist.
Stage 2 Faja
Much tighter compression. Should fit tight enough that if the wearer holds on to the top, underneath the breast bone and try to wiggle it away from the body, it is difficult to move. Foams helpful in smoothing out the irregularities that can build up in the scar tissue development. A board is optional. Wear 23 hours a day and usually the wearer can start to wean off when they feel ready to, around 8-12 weeks. There are many recommended brands out there. But it needs to fit properly. Having them altered is a common recommendation. The more consistent with the compression and never allowing for a lesser compression will help move you forward in your recovery experience and not backward.
Foams
White surgical foams can range in quality. They are intended to spread and smooth irregularities in pressure, help reduce swelling and stiffness, and take up room in the faja when the faja is starting to feel too loose. If the faja is too tight to fit foams right away, that is alright. It is recommended to wear with a camisole to protect the skin from faja burn.
Boards
Ab boards and lumbar boards are the most common. Sometimes you can find a board for the mons area (pubic region) but they are less common to be found. The boards are intended to focalize and concentrate the pressure where you intentionally want to. Although foams provide overall more pressure, they smooth out of the areas you are hoping to avoid and the boards allow you to redirect where you need it more: often in the belly and the sacrum area. TIP for sacrum/low back. A folded up puppy pad/chux pad has been known to be most helpful.
