$1000 OFF YOUR SURGERY FOR NEW PATIENTS.

Arm Lipo Healing Essentials: Using Compression Garments for Optimal Results

Book an Appointment
A young woman practicing yoga on the beach, focusing on her arm strength and flexibility

Compression Sleeves for the Best Arm Lipo Results

Arm liposuction is just the first step to achieving contoured, slimmer arms. The recovery process is crucial for smooth, proportional results. This is where compression garments come in.

Firstly, they help control bleeding post-surgery. Secondly, they aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing by applying constant pressure to the operated area. But that’s not all their benefits. 

What Is the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment After Lipo?

Wearing compression sleeves after arm liposuction reduces swelling, improves circulation, speeds healing, facilitates fluid drainage, aids skin retraction, supports pain management, and provides comfort – all critical to your recovery

Reduce Swelling

One of the main benefits of arm compression sleeves is that they help minimize and control swelling after your procedure. The gentle pressure helps drain fluid buildup and reduces inflammation. This helps your arms slim down faster to reveal your refined shape.

Support Improved Circulation

The compression promotes blood and lymph flow in your arms. This improved circulation brings oxygen and nutrients that provide healing benefits. Proper blood flow also helps reduce bruising.

Speed Up Healing

By keeping swelling down and improving circulation, arm compression garments help you heal faster from the liposuction procedure. They help your body recover and your skin shrink wrap more quickly.

Facilitate Drainage

In addition to fluid buildup, arm lipo also leaves behind some tumescent fluid and blood that needs to properly drain. Compression garments facilitate this drainage so your arms heal faster.

Aid Skin Retraction

The gentle pressure of compression sleeves helps your skin retract after the fat is removed. This allows the skin to smooth out and contour to your newly slimmed arms.

Support Pain Management

The compression can help minimize pain and discomfort during your recovery by stabilizing tissues and nerves.

Provide Comfort

A good compression garment will feel snug but not overly tight. This provides comforting compression that makes the first 4-6 weeks after surgery more bearable.

As you can see, compression garments are about far more than just looks after arm lipo. They play an important medical role in your healing and recovery on multiple levels. 

How long should you wear a compression garment after arm lipo?

Compression sleeves are typically recommended for 24 hours daily for the first 2-4 weeks after undergoing arm liposuction. After the initial month of compression, patients can continue wearing the sleeves for up to 6 more weeks or as long as they still feel snug and comfortable. 

The exact duration varies per patient depending on the details of the procedure, amount of fat removal, and individual recovery rate. Wearing compression plays a key role after liposuction by easing discomfort, reducing swelling, improving contour, minimizing bruising, and speeding up the healing timeline.

How Effective Are Compression Garments for Recovery After Arm Liposuction?

Compression garments are effective as proven by a number of studies. They found that quality of life impairment was significantly reduced for patients with lipedema after they had liposuction, compared to before the procedure. This indicates that liposuction can improve quality of life related to this condition.

A study by Damstra et al. looked at 37 women who had liposuction on their upper arms, followed by compression with bandages and garments. After 12 months, the women had a mean reduction of excess arm volume of 118%.

This shows that compression after liposuction can substantially reduce excess volume in the arms.

Another study evaluated 21 patients who had liposuction on their arms and legs. Before surgery, the mean volume difference between limbs was 45.1%. By 6 months after surgery, this was reduced to just 3.8%, with a mean volume reduction of 89.6%. All patients reported improved symptoms and function.

This demonstrates that liposuction can effectively reduce limb volume discrepancies and improve functionality.

Plastic surgeons commonly report that patients who wear the prescribed compression garments as directed after arm lipo tend to have better outcomes and satisfaction.

The consensus among plastic surgeons is that properly fitted medical compression sleeves or suits are extremely helpful for optimal recovery and results after undergoing arm liposuction. Following their advice can make a significant difference.

What Is the Best Compression Garment for Arm Lipo?

A red haired woman sitting on a window sill, wearing compression garments after arm lipo surgery.

Choose a high-quality, breathable compression garment made of spandex or nylon after arm liposuction. The garment should snugly fit to provide adequate compression and support without causing pain or discomfort.

It needs to gently compress the skin to ease swelling and bruising while also soothing the treatment areas. Wearing the right compression garment accelerates healing and comfort after liposuction.

The study “Liposuction and Controlled Compression Therapy Reduce the Erysipelas Incidence in Primary and Secondary Lymphedema” highlights the importance of using proper compression garments in medical procedures and recovery. It focuses on the use of compression garments in liposuction procedures and their role in reducing the incidence of erysipelas, a type of skin infection, in patients with primary and secondary lymphedema

The study details the use of a sterilized flat-knit compression garment, which is applied immediately after the liposuction procedure to stem any bleeding. The garment is changed on the second postoperative day and is used continuously thereafter. 

The patient receives two sets of garments, which are changed every second day during the first week and then daily. The garments are ordered every third month during the first year and annually if complete reduction is achieved after the first year. Normally, a patient needs six to eight sets of garments per year to get the desired benefits mentioned.

Here are the key features Dr. Smith recommends looking for when choosing your own compression garment:

FactorDescription
Medical Grade MaterialGarment made with high-quality material like nylon, spandex, or latex-free neoprene that provides controlled compression.
BreathabilityFabric that wicks moisture and allows airflow to keep you cool and comfortable.
Contoured FitGarments designed specifically to fit arms vs. other body areas. Provides grip without pinching.
Arm Sleeves or BodysuitChoose between sleeves compressing just arms or an all-in-one body suit with built-in arm sleeves. Consider needs and comfort.
Adjustable & SecureOptions with adjustable straps, hook-and-eye closures, zippers, etc. allow a custom compression fit.
Size and FitFollow size charts and measure arms to ensure a snug but not too tight fit. Get input from a surgeon on sizing.
Easy On/OffGarments that are easy to take on and off as needed for hygiene, skin checks, etc. Aid proper use.

When shopping for your arm compression garment, keep this checklist of key features in mind and select an option that will meet your needs. It’s helpful to get specific product recommendations from your plastic surgeon as well.

What Are Doctor’s Recommendations for Choosing Arm Compression Garments?

Board-certified plastic surgeons who regularly perform arm liposuction have valuable input when it comes to choosing the right compression garment. Here are some of their key recommendations:

Ask Your Surgeon

Have an in-depth talk with your surgeon about the compression garment options appropriate for your procedure, body, and lifestyle. Get their specific product suggestions, as protocols can vary based on the procedure.

Select an Established Brand

Look for reputable compression garment companies that are frequently recommended by plastic surgeons.

Consider Fabric

Medical-grade materials like nylon and spandex provide controlled compression, so discuss these ideal fabrics with your surgeon.

Follow Fit Guidelines

Dr. Smith emphasizes that the correct fit from sizing guidance is critical, even above fashion and color. Garments that are too loose will not provide enough compression.

Get the Right Pressure

Ask your surgeon if you need light, medium, or firm compression based on your case, rather than relying solely on standard size charts.

Inquire About Options

Based on your needs, physicians may recommend combining arm sleeves with body suits, girdles or shapewear.

Discuss Quantity

Surgeons advise having 2-3 garments to rotate for cleaning and replacements.

Go with Experience

Choose a brand your surgeon recommends and is familiar with sizing and compression levels from past patient experience.

Don’t Forget Comfort

While medical compression is the priority, surgeons want patients as comfortable as possible.

By following Dr. Smith’s recommendations closely when selecting your arm compression garment, you can feel confident you’re choosing the right product for your needs. This helps ensure the best results.

Where can you find compression garments for arms after liposuction?

After undergoing liposuction on the arms, it is important to wear a compression sleeve on the treated area during recovery. Several companies offer arm compression garments suitable for post-surgery use. 

  • MACOM Medical has arm and shoulder sleeves made with medical-grade compression material to provide comfort and support. 
  • ContourMD provides a variety of options like arm sleeves, vests with sleeves, and body shapers with arm coverage. Lipoelastic specializes in liposuction compression and recommends choosing the right arm sleeve based on the surgeon’s advice. 
  • RECOVA arm sleeves offer adjustable closures to keep the compression sleeve in place as the arms heal after procedures like liposuction or brachioplasty. 

Don’t Leave Your Results to Chance: Talk to Dr. Smith for Precision Arm Lipo

Four pictures of a woman's arms before and after arm liposuction surgery.

If you’re considering or had arm lipo, choosing the right compression garment can positively impact your results and recovery. Now armed with knowledge on compression sleeves and body suits after arm lipo, you can better discuss options with your plastic surgeon.

Selecting a high-quality, contoured garment with gentle compression can minimize swelling, facilitate drainage, ease discomfort, and let your skin smoothly adhere to new contours. Properly caring for your garment and wearing it consistently after surgery helps you heal faster for slim, toned arms.

After the procedure, following your surgeon’s complete care instructions and integrating the right compression garment into your recovery routine aid the process immensely.

Considering arm liposuction in New York City? Consult with Dr. Darren Smith, MD. He is a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon known for his artistic skill, safe techniques, and natural-looking outcomes.

Dr. Smith and his staff provide compassionate, five-star care with your comfort and satisfaction a top priority. He would be happy to advise the ideal arm compression garments to use during your postoperative recovery.

Get the shapely arms you desire once and for all!