Do elastic compression garments reduce post-operative pain?
Elastic compression garments can decrease post-liposuction pain if employed with the open-drainage technique. “Open-drainage” refers to the technique of not closing the tiny liposuction incisions with stitches in order to maximize the drainage of inflammation-causing blood-tinged anesthetic solution. Immediately after surgery, elastic garments encourage maximum amount of drainage of blood tinged anesthetic solution, which in turn reduces pain. After all the drainage has ceased, some patients continue to wear a compression garment in order to restrict the movement or jiggling of the treated areas. This reduces discomfort and gives a feeling of security.