Compression Vest (stage1 vs. stage2)

[corvette09]

Doctors, what is the difference between the two? Is one tighter than the other? I currently 6 weeks out from my surgery and I'm still using the stage one along with a binder.
Thanks for your time..

[Litlriki]

I think that most stage 2 garments lack zippers.  I'm not sure that there's any other difference.  They're a little smoother and form-fitting in some cases.  To some extent, it's a way for garment companies to sell more garments.  I just have my patients get "UnderArmor" or similar compression shirts, which are generally adequate and usually less expensive.  Spanx make male garments now, but those are priced a little higher than "UnderArmor."  Spanx are useful for patients who also have abdominal or flank procedures, since the UnderArmor shirts don't provide adequate compression in those areas, but Spanx (especially their "zoned" compression shirts) can in most cases.

Rick Silverman

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Agree with Dr. Silverman.

The theory:  The "stage 1" garment has zippers and other devices to make it easy to put on, thereby minimizing movement of the arms.  The "stage 2" garment was just a pull over garment.  Both were equally snug.

I don't bother with them -- I think it is a lot of hokum.  I recommend an UnderArmor shirt, usually 1 - 2 sizes smaller than what one would ordinarily buy.  I do put at least one more layer of compression on top of that -- either a vest or a binder -- and occasionally both.  I see no problem in a patient moving his arms over his head in order to put on the UnderArmor -- it has never posed a problem to any of my patients.

Dr Jacobs

[corvette09]

Dr. Silverman and Dr.Jacobs thank you for taking the time to answer my question.