compression garments harmful?
Lap-band 7/9/01, TT/outer thigh lipo/port exchange 12/17/09
There is good science behind fitted compression garments...anybody who treats lymphedema or burn care knows that compression therapy is an important part of therapy for swelling. (i.e. Jobst garments)
By preventing distension of the tissues with the fluid that normally follows trauma, the stretching and deformity from swelling is decreased. Some believe that "toxins" are present in this fluid.
Lymphatic massage also helps carry away this fluid naturally.
The garment also serves as a "reminder" or splint for the area, and helps keep patients from overdoing it at first.
As with any splint, though, restriction of the normal muscle movements can happen over the long term, although my guess is that significant weakening of the abdominal muscles would be very unusual for the average PS patient who wears a garment for just a few months.
Just my 0.02.
Plastic Surgery
Houston, Texas
www.DrLoMonaco.com
www.BodyLiftHouston.com
I know there is a reason why almost all PS (and compression garments salesman) always give a time-frame saying something like "4 to 6 weeks" or "4 to 8 weeks" and not just "4 weeks to however long you can stand it).
If even the people that sell the things don't tell you to wear them as long as you possibly can, you know it can't be a good idea. (They'd WANT you to if anybody would to sell more of the things!)
I just wish I could remember what the studies I had read defined as "long-term use".
My PS said 4 - 6 weeks, so I'm probably taking mine off at 6 weeks; so I'm sure I won't have restriction of normal muscle movement or significant weakening of the abdominal muscles. I was just curious.
Thanks again for responding!
Wen
on 12/28/09 5:18 am - Tuvalu
I have a friend who didn't touch her compression garment, as ordered. When they next unwrapped her there were a couple of big, ugly black spots on each hip. I think her garment essentially cut off any blood flow to the area and there was damage that couldn't be undone.
I hope Dr. L will return and tell us about that issue, because it scares me.