Post-operative compression is an essential part of recovery in this article we will discuss the postoperative panty recommended as post-operative compression for WAL liposuccion of the “upper knees thighs saddlebags” area, but this panty can also be used for the lower area i.e. “ankles, calves and lower knees” (as a replacement for the Biflex compression bands)
Compression allows for faster elimination of bruising and swelling following surgery and reduces the risk of post-operative phlebitis.
This post-operative compression also allows the skin to retract properly and optimise the result of WAL liposuction on areas affected by lipedema.
Doctor Nicolas Zwillinger recommends lipoelastic panty, you can buy from this laboratory online on their website or directly in their Paris office (by appointment). During this appointment, a member of the lipoelastic team will take your measurements and you will also be able to proceed to fittings. This team of professionals will be able to advise you on models and sizes. Also, if you order on the internet, you can contact them by phone so that they can help you remotely.
Measure well
One of the essential points of compression is an adapted compression, it is important to take your measurements before the operation. Even if during the operation the fat of the lipoedema located on the operated area will be sucked out, thus changing your measurements, the post-operative oedema will quickly appear. The measures taken before the operation are therefore adapted.
It is possible to take two panty’s, one at the size of the measurements taken before the operation and the second one the size below which can be used two to three weeks after the operation when the oedema will have started to reabsorb. To help you take your measurements correctly, you can refer to the diagram below, or watch the explanatory video within this article.
You can record these measurements and take them regularly after the operation to follow the evolution.
Putting on your post-operative compression properly
Putting on the post-operative compression can be difficult, we advise you to use the lipo-slide (provided by the laboratory for each order). As you can see on the video, this accessory makes it easier to put on the “ankle” part of the panty. In order to put on the panty correctly you must position the label towards the outside and make sure that the seams are at the level of the inner thighs. Then you have to put the panty on gradually, avoiding folds, especially at the knee joint. You can then close the panty using the staples, initially fixing it to the first row and then tightening it if necessary.
The first few days you may feel tired and some movements may be limited, we advise you to ask the nurse or a relative to help you.
Maintenance of post-operative clothing
The maintenance is an important element, it is possible to wash the compression garments by hand cold or in machine maximum 30 degrees. You must leave them to dry in the open air, no tumble dryer or heat source (iron) that could damage the fibre and not be sufficiently compressive and thus lose its effectiveness.
The special case of arm compression
The recommended post-operative compression garment for the arms is the sleeve. As with the panty, it is important to take the correct measurements and fit it properly to avoid creases.
The brand lipoelastic also offers compression garments that can be worn on a daily basis by women affected by lipedema, in order to promote good circulation in the venous and lymphatic network.
There are also other brands of post-operative compression garments:
We hope that the advice given in this article and video dedicated to postoperative compression will help you to learn more about this subject and help you in the different steps, from taking measurements, to maintenance, to putting on the panty. If you would like more information on lipedema, we invite you to make an appointment with Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger.
