Question:
I have an upcoming arm lift and tummy tuck scheduled. Wondering which is better

control garments that are commonly found at Wal-Mart or the actual compression garments use see on websites like makemeheal.com    — Michelle H. (posted on May 17, 2004)

May 17, 2004
In my opinion if you have a lot of skin to remove therefore making the surgery more traumatic to your body I would go for the garments that are designed for the surgeries. My surgeon got mine from the surgery center, even though I did not have my surgery there, and sold it to me at cost, which was $68. That was less than on makemeheal.com. But I still was willing to buy something from there if it helped. Beware though that the darn things runs very small and especially if your buy a regular garment fromWal-Mart or wherever, you don't want to have to tug the crap out of it across those new incisions. You want compression but not so much that the skin cannot breathe. That was the big concern my surgeon had and that's why he wanted the zipper kind. I was wearing a 14-16 after surgery due to swelling yet they had to put me in a 2X garment. So think way bigger than the size you wear. If it's too tight it will actually cut circulation, which is definitely not what you want.
   — zoedogcbr

May 17, 2004
What to buy will depend on how much fat/skin will be removed. Your PS can tell you before hand. My pS told me not to buy compression garment from a website due to high cost, because I didn't need a high dollar garment, since he would remove 2-3 pounds from tummy/waist area. He said garments at Wal-Mart or J.C. Pennys would do great! Just ask your PS....he can give you an idea of the loss and what you will need. The main issue with mine was to be high wasited, since I had extensive muscle repair done and needed the support. My $10 long waisted girdle was great! I brought it in for my PS to see. He does recommend a girdle to be somewhat tighter for added support and to be worn 6 weeks 24/7. All PS's are different.......I saved $125.00 and love my Wal-Mart brand! Serves the purpose well. Good Luck!
   — Hazel S.

May 17, 2004
My PS supplied the garments when I got my drains taken out. Good luck with your surgery! I had the same thing done 3/31/03 along with a breastlift at the same time. Love it and so will you! Its worth it!
   — Kris T.

May 17, 2004
I used the flexee panty girdles and they worked great. I ended up wearing them for 3 months post-op and I didn't have any problems. They were by far better then the compression garment I was given at the hospital. My doctor liked it better too.
   — Patty H.