What is a Compression Vest?
A compression vest is a fitted garment worn around the upper body to provide gentle pressure. Compression vests are commonly used after surgeries like liposuction, breast augmentation or reduction, abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”), and lymph node removal. They can also be used to help manage conditions like lymphedema or lipoedema that cause fluid buildup and swelling in the arms and torso.
Compression vests are usually made from stretchy, breathable fabrics like spandex, nylon, or lycra. They fit snugly around the chest, abdomen, back, and sometimes arms. The compression provided by the garment helps prevent excessive swelling and promotes healing after procedures or in chronic conditions. The gentle pressure also helps drain fluid buildup and improves circulation.
How Do Compression Vests Work?
Compression vests work by applying graduated pressure – meaning the pressure is higher around the bottom of the garment and decreases toward the top. This helps:
– Improve circulation and venous return – the pressure helps blood flow back to the heart against gravity. This removes waste products and prevents fluid pooling.
– Reduce swelling – compression physically limits excessive swelling and fluid retention.
– Provide support – the snug fit offers comfort and stabilization of affected areas.
– Shape and slim – compression smoothes bulges and shapes the area it is worn on.
The exact amount of pressure provided by a compression garment depends on the condition it is used for:
| Condition | Pressure Range |
|---|---|
| Post-surgical swelling | 15-30 mmHg |
| Lymphedema | 20-60 mmHg |
| Lipoedema | 20-40 mmHg |
| Chronic venous insufficiency | 20-30 mmHg |
Higher pressures are generally used for chronic conditions like lymphedema that cause significant fluid buildup. Lower pressures around 15-30 mmHg are suitable for mild to moderate post-surgical swelling.
Does Compression Help Reduce Swelling?
Several research studies have looked at whether compression garments effectively reduce swelling in different parts of the body:
Post-Surgery Swelling
Many studies have found that compression garments worn after surgery can significantly reduce swelling and improve outcomes:
– A study of 32 women after breast cancer surgery found wearing a compression vest for 4 weeks led to a greater reduction in arm swelling compared to not wearing one. There was also improved shoulder mobility.
– Research on 37 breast reduction patients showed wearing a compression vest for 2 weeks post-surgery reduced bruising and swelling more than an elastic bandage.
– A review of studies on compression after plastic surgery found it led to less bruising and swelling compared to no compression. It also reduced pain.
– Multiple studies show compression garments worn for 2-6 weeks after abdominoplasty lead to less bruising, swelling, and seroma fluid buildup compared to no compression.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema causes fluid buildup when lymph nodes are damaged or removed. Strong compression is often used to minimize swelling and discomfort:
– A study had 24 women with arm lymphedema wear a custom compression sleeve providing 40-60 mmHg pressure for 1 week. Arm circumference decreased by an average of 3 cm.
– Another trial had 146 patients with leg lymphedema use compression stockings for 1 year. Leg swelling reduced by over 40% on average. Greater pressure led to more reduction.
– A review of several studies confirmed compression garments consistently reduce arm and leg lymphedema, with greater pressure leading to more improvement.
Lipoedema
Lipoedema involves abnormal accumulation of fat and fluid in the legs and sometimes arms. Compression is a mainstay of treatment:
– One study had 11 women with lipoedema wear flat-knit compression leggings providing 33-46 mmHg pressure for 4 weeks. The women experienced significantly reduced limb size and tissue hardness.
– Another trial had 24 lipoedema patients use compression garments on their legs for 30 days. The treatment decreased limb circumference, pain, and bruising compared to non-compressive stockings.
– Multiple studies confirm compression garments can effectively reduce leg swelling and pain in lipoedema patients. Compression of 35-60 mmHg seems most effective.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency leads to leg swelling and varicose veins. Compression stockings are commonly prescribed:
– One study compared compression stockings to no stockings in 40 patients. The compression group had reduced lower leg swelling and calf circumference after 3 months.
– Another trial had patients use 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg compression stockings for venous disease. Both groups experienced reduced leg swelling, but higher compression led to greater improvement.
– A review found compression stockings consistently improve swelling, leg pain, cramps, and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Higher pressure tends to provide more benefits.
How Much Compression is Needed?
The ideal compression level depends on the specific condition being treated:
– For mild swelling after surgery like liposuction, 15-30 mmHg compression is often recommended. This is enough to provide support without being too restrictive.
– Moderate post-surgical swelling may benefit from 20-40 mmHg compression. Abdominoplasty and breast procedures often use garments in this range.
– Upper limb lymphedema is commonly treated with 40-60 mmHg compression sleeves to counteract chronic fluid buildup.
– Lower limb lymphedema and lipoedema often require even higher compression of 50-70 mmHg. This higher pressure range can minimize severe leg swelling.
– Chronic venous disease usually responds well to 20-30 mmHg compression stockings. This helps with daily leg swelling, varicose veins and related symptoms.
Higher pressures above 40-50 mmHg should only be worn with medical guidance to avoid complications like skin damage or effects on circulation. Milder compression is suitable for general swelling problems. The ideal level for each condition balances comfort, wearability and treatment effectiveness.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
Some of the benefits reported with compression vests and garments include:
– Reduces swelling and inflammation
– Limits bruising
– Speeds up healing after surgery
– Provides comfort and support
– Improves circulation
– Manages chronic conditions like lymphedema
– Shapes and slims areas like the abdomen and legs
– Reduces pain and achiness
– Boosts confidence for some wearers
For post-surgical patients, compression vests can minimize discomfort and get them back to normal activities quicker. In chronic conditions, they provide ongoing relief from fluid buildup and related symptoms. Many also appreciate the smoother, more contoured shape compression garments can provide.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks?
Some disadvantages of compression vests include:
– Can feel restrictive and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather
– Require regular replacement as fabrics lose elasticity
– Can be difficult to put on and take off
– May cause skin irritation or rashes in some people
– Higher compression levels can interfere with circulation if worn incorrectly
– Don’t work well if improperly sized
– Expensive cost compared to regular bras or shapewear
Compression garments should be fitted and worn properly to avoid problems. It’s important to allow periods of non-compression daily to maintain circulation. Medical advice should be sought for proper use with chronic conditions or severe swelling. Compression is not recommended immediately after certain surgeries that require close monitoring.
Who Should Not Use Compression Garments?
Compression garments are usually not recommended for people with:
– Arterial insufficiency or peripheral artery disease that restricts blood flow to the limbs
– Diabetic neuropathy affecting sensation in the legs and feet
– Severe heart failure or edema due to impaired cardiac function
– Phlebitis or current blood clot issues in the arms or legs
– Uncontrolled high blood pressure
– Paralysis or significant loss of strength in the limbs
– Severe deformities that prevent proper garment fit
– Allergies to compression garment materials
– Inability to properly put on and remove compression garments
Compression can negatively impact circulation in some cases. A doctor should always be consulted before using compression garments with vascular conditions, diabetes resulting in numbness, significant edema from heart failure, or high blood pressure. Compression levels and use must be carefully monitored.
Tips for Using Compression Garments
Here are some tips for using compression vests and garments effectively and safely:
– Gradually increase wear time – break in a new garment for short periods before prolonged use.
– Ensure proper size and fit – ill-fitting garments lose effectiveness and can cause injuries. Get professionally measured and fitted if possible.
– Watch for skin reactions – discontinue use if rashes, blisters or cuts develop. Protect any irritated areas.
– Clean regularly – clean compression garments frequently to prevent skin irritation and infections.
– Use caution with sensitivities – those with latex allergy must avoid latex-containing compression garments.
– Allow non-compression periods – avoid all-day wear and remove compression at night to maintain circulation.
– Stay hydrated and exercise – drink plenty of fluids daily and do regular exercise in the compressed areas.
– Check for compressed veins – a compressed vein that stays indented when pressure is removed requires medical attention.
– See a doctor for injuries – immediately seek care if you experience numbness, excessive pain, or changes in limb color.
Conclusion
Compression garments have been widely researched and proven effective at reducing swelling and aiding healing after many surgical procedures. There is also strong evidence that compression garments help minimize fluid buildup and symptoms in chronic conditions like lymphedema and lipoedema. Higher levels of compression tend to provide greater benefits, but must be used cautiously and fit appropriately. Compression vests and garments can support recovery, improve comfort, and enhance daily living when used properly under medical guidance. But they also have some drawbacks like discomfort and restrictions that must be considered. Overall, compression is an important treatment option that can significantly help control swelling and swelling-related conditions.