Compression garments are a must-have for many, whether for medical recovery or body contouring. But how long should you wear a compression garment each day? This guide will help you determine the best duration for compression garments, shapewear, or medical shapewear based on your needs, ensuring comfort and results.
Why Wear Compression Garments?
Compression garments and medical shapewear offer support by applying gentle pressure to targeted areas. They’re popular as post-surgery compression garments after procedures like liposuction to reduce swelling and speed healing. Meanwhile, shapewear, a stylish type of compression garment, smooths and shapes the body. How long you wear these, be they compression garments or shapewear, depends on their purpose.
Wearing Compression Garments After Liposuction
After liposuction, compression garments are vital for recovery. Doctors often recommend wearing these compression garments 24 hours a day for 2-3 weeks (except when showering). Then, scale back to 12-18 hours daily for 3-6 weeks. Consistent use of compression garments after liposuction reduces swelling, boosts circulation, and perfects your shape.
How Long to Wear Post-Surgery Compression Garments?
For surgeries like tummy tucks or C-sections, post-surgery compression garments and medical shapewear follow a similar schedule. Wear them 20-24 hours daily for the first few weeks, then drop to 10-12 hours as healing progresses. Consult your surgeon, as overusing or underusing compression garments can impact recovery.
Using Shapewear and Medical Shapewear as Compression Garments
For daily contouring, shapewear or medical shapewear works best at 8-12 hours. Unlike compression garments after liposuction, these aren’t meant for all-day wear. Overdoing shapewear might cause discomfort, so take breaks and prioritize comfort.
Tips for Wearing Compression Garments Comfortably
Whether it’s compression garments after liposuction, post-surgery compression garments, or casual shapewear, fit is key. Too tight restricts blood flow; too loose, and your compression garment won’t work. Aim for 12-24 hours, depending on your goal: 24 for recovery and 8-12 for medical shapewear and follow medical advice.
In summary, wear a compression garment for:
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24 hours during early recovery with post-surgery compression garments.
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12-18 hours in later stages of compression garments after liposuction.
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8-12 hours for shapewear or medical shapewear.
Adjust based on your needs and enjoy the perks of compression garments!