stage 2 vest, how long after operation?

[lexuslexus]

i was told by my PS to wear my compression vest for 4 weeks 24/7 (apart from showering) and 3 weeks wearing it only at night.

however i want to yeild the best results possible and so have also purchased a stage 2 compression vest. just wondering when i should start wearing this and for how long?

cheers guys

[lexuslexus]

bump 

[milesed1]

Hmmm..I was told 3 weeks 24-7 then I was done.

[lexuslexus]

think my surgeon is playing as cautious as possible which is ok as i would prefer that just to cement the chances of better results. thats why i was wondering about the stage 2 aswell.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Every plastic surgeon has his own ideas about what type of compression to use and how long to wear it.  THERE HAVE BEEN NO STUDIES AND THERE ARE NO STANDARDS AS TO WHICH TIME FRAME IS OPTIMAL. However, in general, most post-operative swelling diminishes substantially in the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. The purpose of compression is to minimize the swelling after surgery and therefore speed the healing process.  In essence, there is no absolute right or wrong as regards compression garments.

For example, I place my patients in a very snug binder and ask them to wear it 24/7 for three weeks, taking it off only to shower.  After three weeks, they may remove it and return to exercise.  Oftentimes, there is additional swelling after exercise and I recommend wearing compression for a few hours after the gym.  Some of my patients feel they obtain better results or are more comfortable if they wear the compression longer -- I it may the "security blanket" effect.  I see nothing wrong with a second stage garment -- but basically it is only the really tight compression that seems to help.

If you trusted your plastic surgeon to do your surgery, then I would follow his particular regimen for post-op compression for that is what seems to work best for him.

Dr Jacobs

[lexuslexus]

awesome reply 
thanks for your time