Is wearing a vest really necessary?

[sectorjeff]

What is the purpose of wearing a compression vest?

Why do some doctors use then and others dont?

[DrPensler]

My patients all utilize a vest which we purchase for the patient.We get two vests for each patient the cost of which is included in the cost for surgery. I feel a vest helps flatten the tissue,minimizes scar formation and prevents rippling after surgery.Its certainly possible to have the surgery without a vest and in fact I used to not use a vest.The results in my hands are better and more consistent with vests.

[George Pope, M.D.]

I agree with Dr. Pensler.  A tight (but not painful) vest helps to minimize swelling, and I put a vest on all of my patients.  They wear their vest day and night for 2 weeks, then afterward as desired.  Most do not desire to wear them afterward, but many will switch to a tight shirt, like UnderArmour.

Dr. Pope, MD

[Litlriki]

I also recommend post-operative compression.  I recommend the vest for the first week, and then either the vest or a compression shirt, such as UnderArmor for a total of 4 weeks. 

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I tend to be more aggressive with compression than my colleagues.  I use double and sometimes triple layers of compression after surgery.  This frequently eliminates the need for drains, results in less bruising and less swelling.

I recommend compression for at least four weeks and am now leaning towards 6 weeks for maximum effect.  After six weeks, the compression does not seem to have any benefit.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

As an aside this is more for Dr. Jacobs , I also put an ace bandage on top of the vest.