The Use of Postoperative Compression Garments in Plastic Surgery-Necessary or Not? A Practical Review.

This practical review critically evaluates the evidence behind the widespread use of postoperative compression therapy intended to improve surgical outcomes, such as reduced edema, ecchymosis, pain, and seroma formation. A literature search of PubMed was conducted to identify relevant studies concerning the use of compression garments after aesthetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, mammoplasty, abdominoplasty, limb contouring, and others. Additionally, reconstructive and therapeutic procedures closely related in anatomy or technique to these cosmetic operations, such as breast reconstruction, mastectomy, and hernia repair, were also considered to provide further perspective.