what exactly is this compression garment for?

[alanelmasri]

i just had surgery, but cannot workout what I am wearing this thing for??

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Wearing a compression garment post op is, in my opinion, virtually as important as having the surgery done correctly.

Your tissues will naturally swell after surgery -- reaching a peak usually within 48-72 hours.  There is also a tendency for tissues to ooze fluid and blood for a short time after surgery.

Wearing a snug compression garment will minimize oozing, minimize swelling and help the skin to tighten up after surgery.

ANALOGY:  If you twist your ankle, you would usually apply a snug Ace bandage.  What does it do?  It minimizes swelling and bleeding, minimizes pain and indeed helps you to heal faster.  A chest compression garment does much the same thing.

My recommended regimen is to wear compression garments for at least four weeks post op -- and even longer if conditions allow -- it can only help, it will not hurt at all.

Dr Jacobs

[alanelmasri]

thanks doctor, BUT I CANNOT SLEEP IN IT!
I can only hope he can boost me some morphine or valium, as I think I am O'Ding on the RESTAVIT, having my heart beat THAT HARD, but its worth the sleep.
sweet dreams.