Each plastic surgery operation performed by board certified plastic surgeons in San Diego has it’s own post-operative protocol to decrease expected swelling and bruising. For this purpose compression garments are recommended to be worn anywhere from 1-6 weeks depending on the area and surgery.
Below you will find a list of surgeries and the time in which compression garments are to be worn. These are just guidelines and if you find something less expensive and cover the area Dr. park will be just as happy and please share with us so that we may inform our future patients.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)Requires compression from the armpit to 1 inch below the elbow up to 2 weeks post-op 24/7:
Male LiposuctionAbdomen or Chest to be worn 24/7 from 2-4 weeks post-op:
Female LiposuctionArms, abdomen, back, and or thighs and Tummy tuck to be worn 24/7 from 2-6 weeks post-op:
Require “Sports” bras that provide comfortable, snug compression 24/7 up to 4 weeks post-op. The bras should have no underwire and should not be excessively tight.
Read more about choosing the right bra after surgery in our Blog.
When thinking of garments to purchase consider the time of year, what can be worn under clothes to work, the time in which you will be washing and drying garments, and or what will allow access to possible drains in the immediate post-op days.
Whether your scars are hidden in the hairline, a fold or natural crease of skin, it is important to care for them long after the post-operative period. Incisions heal anywhere between 7-10 days and mature in about a year. All scars, including incisional scars heal similarly. Collagen within scars can be arranged in an organized fashion or laid out haphazardly. How collagen forms within your healing scar may depend on a number of different factors, such as genetics, nutrition, wound environment, and closure of an incision or wound. Scar healing optimization essentially directs collagen to “flatten out and line up in a linear pattern”.
In addition to closing your incisions with the utmost care, Dr. Park believes that patient participation in the healing process will optimize the appearance of a scar. Dr. Park recommends massaging a newly forming scar. By applying light pressure and massage with your fingers in the direction of the scar with Jojoba oils, coconut oils, shea butter, vitamin E, lotion, or soap in the shower you can soften scar tissue under the surface to ensure that the scar remains flat. For those that are familiar with scar care products, such as SkinMedica’s Scar Recovery Gel, these treatments help to stimulate new cell growth and aid in the restorative process.
There are also self-adhesive silicone sheets that can be worn directly on the scar throughout the day. Wearing silicone can help seal the scar from exposure to air and applies continuous pressure and elevates skin temp and hydration to help flatten and smooth scars. You can purchase silicone sheets through NewGel+ at www.newgelplus.com
An alternative for patients who undergo areolar reductions, breast reductions, and mastopexy (breast lift) are silicone petals that are placed over nipples and areola. This product is also made of silicone and can be purchased at most department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstroms, Victoria’s Secret or at Hollywood Fashion Secrets.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Oceanside, California, Dr. Gregory Park provides a full range of plastic and reconstructive services at North Coast Plastic Surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, eyes, and nose, breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, revision cosmetic breast surgery, arm lifts, liposuction, tummy tuck, Botox, Fillers, and more...
Dr. Park was the Plastic Surgeon at my hospital. I was lucky to have such a wonderful and caring doctor. You hear people say how one person changed their life. I now understand because Dr. Park did that for me. It's a wonderful feeling when you meet a doctor who truly cares.