Why wear a post-surgical compression garment?

A medical compression garment can assist in the body’s healing process and improve procedure results, post-operatively.  However, accurate compression and patient compliance in wearing a medical compression garment can affect the outcome. For the most part, patients who comply with their doctor’s recommendation to wear a compression garment have reported a greater sense of overall satisfaction associated with their procedure results. Additionally, greater procedure satisfaction has been linked to patients who reported 100% compliance versus patients who wore a compression garment less than the recommended time. Patient compliance has been directly linked to selecting a garment that properly fits a patient’s body, is designed for good hygiene, and is attractive and comfortable while providing accurate compression.

BENEFITS:
Proper compression on the subdermal layers:

• reduces the risk of seromas, lymphedema, hematomas and skin unevenness
• reduces fluid build‐up in subdermal surgical lipectomy area
• increases blood circulation
• promotes proper skin adhesion to newly contoured areas
• holds surgical dressings in place until removed

Alternately, an ill-fitting or ill-designed compression garment may cause increased risk of seromas, lymphedema, lumpy or uneven skin composition, exaggerated or red scars, or necrosis.

“The RealSelf community reveals the real story about each procedure, and provides everything from before and after photos and stories posted by real people who’ve undergone a procedure, to forum discussions and doctor answers to your questions.” CLICK HERE

If you are going to apply any garments at home, we recommend that someone assist you. All of our garments are designed to be easy to apply, but they are also designed for a snug fit to ensure proper compression. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Why wear compression socks?

What does graduated compression therapy do to help with the management of venous problems? The external graduated compression of compression of compression socks acts as a layer of muscle by gently squeezing the stretched vein walls together, allowing the valves to close. The cavity of the vein is reduced, thereby restoring blood flow to a normal state and aiding overall circulation. To be most effective, the socks or stockings should be put on at the start of your day and removed before you go to bed.

Compression Stocking Benefits:

  • Tired, Aching, Heavy Feeling Legs
  • Leg Swelling
  • Varicose Veins
  • Venous Insufficiency
  • Pregnancy
  • Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
  • Healed/Active Venous Ulcers
  • Lymphedema
  • Air Travel/ Long Drive
  • Sitting/ Standing For Long Periods of Time
  • Specialty Athletic Styles Available

Some people have venous insufficiency, which is an inherited weakness of the vein walls or valves which creates additional challenges to venous return. Venous insufficiency can become more chronic and lead to spider vein, varicose veins, phlebitis, blood clots, and changes in the skin. The most serious disorder is a venous leg ulcer. Chronic Venous Disorders (CVD) is a collective term used to describe a long-standing condition involving impaired venous return in varying degrees of severity. The external graduated compression of compression socks and stockings acts as a layer of muscle by gently squeezing the stretched vein walls together, allowing the valves to close. The cavity of the vein is reduced, thereby restoring blood flow to a normal state and aiding overall circulation. To be most effective, the socks or stockings should be put on at the start of your day and removed before you go to bed.

Remember, the heart pumps blood against gravity up the veins of the legs. As a person walks, the contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins aid in moving blood toward the heart.  Wearing compression socks or stockings is vital for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins and other circulatory problems.

To ensure you are getting the best possible fit, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our Certified Fitting Specialists, ideally in the morning.  We can measure your leg to find the perfect for your compression socks!

CLICK HERE to view our Compression Stocking brochure

 

How to Measure Yourself for Compression Socks

The correct way to find your size in knee high compression socks is by measuring your ankle, calf and back of leg (from back of knee to ground).  Nightingale Medical Supplies offers complimentary fitting appointments with Certified Compression Fitters.  If you are unable to be measured in store, the next best option is to  measure yourself and fit according to the compression sock size chart. Essity/BSN offers a wide range of stylish compression socks.  Check out Essity’s compression sock fitting video to the right: