Compression Garments

• Treatment for Pre & Post Surgery

  Sal recommends you have lymphatic drainage massage in the days leading up to your surgery, for the following reasons:

  2-3 treatments prior to surgery

  • Increase blood and lymph circulation
  • Lymph vessel system primed and pumping at an optimum
  • Help to minimise assault on the body from the procedure
  • Clear pre-existing waste and inflammation
  • Scar tissue stimulation for faster recovery
  • Activate new growth of lymph vessels

   

  Plus be sure to pre-book your after sessions for within 7-10 days after surgery. This will prevent excessive swelling, and ensure the lymph vessels are active and prepped for regrowth in the event of any damage.

  However, if needed, you can get treatment as soon as 2-3 days after surgery (as the technique is extremely gentle, and a well-trained therapist will know where they can and can’t go).

  For cosmetic surgeries, you will (or should) have been advised to wear a properly fitted compression garment for 7 days straight, only taking it off to have a shower or for any treatment. 

  Baseline Treatment Schedule

  • Pre-Surgery – 2-3 consecutive treatments in the days leading up to surgery.
  • Post-Surgery – 2-3 per week x 3-6 weeks, depending on your progression.

   

  Starting early, getting to all your appointments in the first few weeks will give you the best results, and the possibility of not needing the full 6 weeks or any extended treatment periods.

  For Lipoedema reduction surgery – see the Lipoedema page under Services…  particular the question for ‘Are you considering Liposuction surgery?’…

• Treatment Services / Modalities Used

  No 2 treatment styles are the same, it’s about how you present and what you need. Your surgeon may also have instructions.

  The services Sal provides include:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage
  • Massage for the high oedema and firmer tissue
  • Pneumatic Compression Pump – Compression Therapy
  • Bandaging if warranted
  • Low Level Laser Therapy
  • Scar & Fibrosis Therapy 
  • Wound Care

   

  See the Lymphatics tab on the main menu for detailed explanation of services.

• Pre-Surgery Checklist

  This checklist has been expanded to cover everything relating to a Lipoedema surgery. But can also be helpful for cosmetic surgery procedures as well.

  • Goals
  • Expectations
  • Realistic timelines
  • Costs – budget and know what you are paying for 
  • Hospital costs
  • Surgery costs
  • Anaesthetist
  • Time off work – 2-4 weeks minimum
    • Trouble bending knees
  • Compression Garments before & after surgery (with front zips)
  • Pneumatic Compression Pump 
  • MLD Treatments Pre- Surgery (x 2-3) in the days leading up to
  • Home carer – will be hard work, they also need to be prepared
    • If travelling overseas need a support person with you (faint risk)
  • Mental Health check – See psychologist 
  • Find some chat / support groups, chat with others that have been to same surgeon etc… Facebook or Whats App (some surgeons will direct you to some)
  • Diet changes now
    • Prepared meals (freezer)
  • Iron levels need to be normal going in
  • Best health practices for best outcomes
  • Sleep
    • Extra Pillows for comfort in bed
  • Exercise / movement now
  • Wear your garments now
  • Health Funds – Check cover
  • Request forms for travel & accomodation claims
  • Research
  • Surgeons (Plastics over cosmetic) Lipoedema specialist is best for Lipoedema
  • Types of surgery
  • Surgery Outcomes
  • Reviews
  • Patient experiences
  • Supplies
    • puppy pads for your bed – leaking lymph
    • walking stick is very handy for first 2 weeks as you may be feeling dizzy
    • Over the counter pain killers
    • unsweetened cranberry juice
    • Bathroom wipes
    • Probiotics after antibiotics
    • Heparin / bruise cream
    • Post surgery clothes, dark colours, long dresses or loose linen pants, to hide the leaking for 1-2 weeks
    • Cooling fan – air conditioning
  • Be prepared

• Post Surgery Checklist

  Hospital 

  • Get up and walk as soon as possible
    • it’s the muscle pump that helps get the fluid moving
  • Speak up to your health professionals
  • It’s major surgery, everything you feel counts
  • Compression on 24/7 for 2-6 weeks, depending on pre-surgery conditions and how you’re progressing.

   

  Team of Therapists

  • Surgeon – follow-ups and ensure you let them know if there are any problems, phone consults if you need assistance before scheduled appointments
  • GP – make sure they are on board and aware of your plans
  • Psychologist – this is a big deal, and the no.1 key recovery component mentioned by others, is your mental health
  • MLD Therapist – you can’t do this alone, pre-book your post recovery appointments before your surgery for 7-10 days post op, (minimum 2 x per week for 3-6 weeks).

   

  Home Care

  • Pneumatic Compression Pump (practiced and used prior to surgery)
  • Garment Assistance, may need help putting it on
  • Home carer available for….
  • Bathing / Dressing / Grooming / Toileting
  • Meal prep / Housekeeping / Shopping / Communication / Community Access / Recreation / Vocation
  • Consider what you will need for your mental health as well and that your at home support person is on board for helping do them.