Selecting the proper Post-Op Garment Size

After having plastic surgery, particularly with a procedure it is completely normal to feel anxious and excited about seeing your newly enhanced look as soon as possible. While there may be a noticeable difference immediately after some procedures, the final results of most cosmetic surgeries typically take weeks, months, or even longer to fully develop, as postoperative swelling subsides and incisions fade. It is important have realistic expectations about their recovery period and be patient throughout the healing process. You will hear this often. "Trust the Process". 

0-3 WEEKS POST-OP 

Please note: Some of you may be restricted to a binder and not compression garments per your surgeon's order. Please follow their orders. 

During the first three weeks, you will be swollen, bloated, and very sensitive from the surgery. These are usually the toughest. You may even be emotional, and it's ok it's all normal. You will hear this many times, but it's a process, and you must trust the process. Therefore, mild and gentle compression is needed. During this time, the goal is to feel comfortable helping you through the first few weeks. We also recommend wearing the garments 24 hours, so you must sleep in them. 

When selecting a size, we recommend selecting your garments one size bigger than the clothing size you have been wearing before your surgery. For example, if you wore a Large shirt size, you would want an XL size garment. When taking into consideration sizing, use hip measurements as your first guide. The garment has to be able to fit your thighs and butt comfortably. 

 

4-8 WEEKS POST-OP

Please Note:  Follow your surgeon's instruction and/or guide when to go to a smaller size. 

During this next phase, we recommend moderate compression. Therefore you will go one size smaller than your previous 0-3 week size. Your body's shape is constantly changing within the first three months post-op. Therefore, the sizes of the garments will vary. Moderate compression will help you end up with the most favorable outcome for your body contour. Your body will have continued to change, becoming slimmer every day, swelling will go down. In this stage, if you were wearing a size XL during weeks 0-3, you will then order a size L. When taking into consideration sizing, use hip measurements as your first guide. The garment has to be able to fit your thighs and butt comfortably. You can add additional compression with Lipo Foam and Boards. 

For example, if at the time of order you have a 41-inch hip measurement, you would order a size Large (L), to allow the garment to fit around your hips and butt. If your waist is smaller than 30 inches, you can always add Lipo Foam and Boards to add compression. If you have a non-standard size, where you have a very small top/waist and large bottom, you should order the size to fit your hips and get the garment tailored or order a custom garment. 

 

8-12 WEEKS POST-OP

Please Note:  Follow your surgeon's instruction and/or guide when to go to a smaller size. 

During this phase, you should have healed much more and need strong and tight compression. Things should start feeling back to normal and feeling like yourself. At this point, you will be ready to go another size smaller than you were wearing in Stage Two, and again, only when your surgeon tells you that you are ready to go smaller. Stage Three is a continuation of Stage Two, your working towards the best possible shape for you. There is no longer a need to sleep in the garments. After week 12, you can switch to a waist trainer for more comfort. Remember, your body will continuously change, and therefore you may need different garments to accommodate the changes.

For example, if you wore a Large during the last phase, you would purchase a Medium, again considering your hip measurements.