The first time is hard. That is normal, and it does not mean you ordered the
wrong size: a compression garment goes on differently from regular clothing.
Step by step
-
Open every closure before you start. The front closure
and, if the garment has one, the gusset zipper.
-
Step in through the legs and bring the garment up in
stages, settling the fabric section by section instead of pulling it all at
once.
-
Line it up before you close it. The centre seam should sit
down the middle of your body, with no twists and no folded fabric.
-
Close from the bottom up, starting on the
loosest row of hooks. Never start on the tightest one.
-
Check the details. Silicone bands lying flat against the
skin, straps not twisted, and no fabric doubled over on itself anywhere.
As the swelling goes down
That is what the three rows of hooks are for. When the garment starts to feel
loose, move to the next row. You do not need a new garment to get the
compression back.
When to take it off
Take the garment off if you feel pain, tingling, numbness, or if it leaves
marks on your skin that do not fade. Those are not part of the process. Check
with your surgeon before wearing it again.
How many hours a day
That depends on your procedure and how your recovery is going.
Your surgeon gives you that instruction, not us.
