Benefits Of Compression Therapy Before Breast Surgery
Compression Bras And Garments for Lymphedema and Post-Op: FAQs About The Benefits of Pre-Surgical Compression
Many oncologists and lymphedema specialists today are recommending compression therapy BEFORE breast cancer surgery, as a way to help prevent lymphedema and promote healing.
Pre-surgical compression is about helping to prevent lymphedema, not treating it. This new approach is part of a growing trend in cancer care that focuses on enhancing supportive therapy before surgery, radiation, and other medical treatments.
The following are some frequently asked questions about breast surgery and post-op complications with lymphedema:
What Is Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition that can occur after breast surgery, particularly if lymph nodes are removed or damaged during mastectomy and lumpectomy surgeries. With lymphedema, lymph fluid builds up in the soft tissues after breast surgery, typically in the arm, hand, and chest areas. This fluid buildup causes swelling and discomfort.
Why Does Lymphedema Often Develop AFTER Breast Surgery
Lymphedema often develops after breast surgery, because the lymphatic system has been disrupted.
During breast cancer surgery, nearby lymph nodes (usually in the arm pit area) might be removed to check for cancer spread. Radiation can also damage lymph nodes and lymph vessels. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged, the lymph system cannot drain fluid effectively, and the fluid accumulates in the surrounding tissues.
How Is Lymphedema Treated
Lymphedema can only be managed, not cured, with treatments focusing on reducing swelling, relieving discomfort, and preventing complications. One of the most common treatments for lymphedema involves wearing compression garments to support lymph flow.
How Does Compression Help Treat Lymphedema
External pressure from compression garments helps move lymph fluid out of swollen areas and into areas where the lymphatic system is still functioning properly. Compression can also help keep lymph fluid from pooling in the soft tissues.
How Can Compression Help Prevent Lymphedema
Oncologists and lymphedema specialists are now recommending compression therapy BEFORE breast surgery, as a form of “prehab,” and there are several reasons for this.
For starters, gentle compression before breast surgery can help stimulate and strengthen lymphatic flow, making it more resilient to disruption during surgery. Pre-surgery compression can also reduce baseline fluid retention and tissue inflammation, which can help minimize the risk of post-op swelling.
By conditioning the tissues and lymphatic areas ahead of time, compression garments can help lower the overall risk of lymphedema or delay its onset.
Patients who have undergone prehab have reported better range of motion, faster return to daily activities, and fewer complications related to lymph fluid buildup.
Levels Of Compression In Lymphedema Garments
The most common levels of compression in lymphedema garments are:
- Light Compression: 8-15 mmHg, typically used for mild swelling and early-stage prevention.
- Mild Compression: 15-20 mmHg, typically used for mild lymphedema. This is the level of compression that oncologists and lymphedema specialists often recommend pre-surgery.
- Moderate Compression: 20-30 mmHg, typically used for early-stage lymphedema.
- Firm Compression: 30-40 mmHg, typically used for more advanced or persistent lymphedema.
- Extra-Firm Compression: 40-50+ mmHg, typically used for severe lymphedema.
Note that mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, and it is a measurement for a unit of pressure. The mmHg number indicates how “tight” the compression garment is – the lower the number, the lower the pressure and level of support.
Types Of Compression Garments For Breast Cancer Surgery
The most common types of compression garments that are worn AFTER breast cancer surgery include:
- compression sleeves (snug fitting sleeves that are worn on the arms)
- compression gloves or gauntlets (often worn with a sleeve, to keep fluid from pooling in the hands)
- compression bras (specially designed bras that provide pressure to support the chest wall and help reduce swelling in the breast or underarm area)
- compression vests (sleeveless vests that fit snugly around the chest and upper back)
- compression camisoles (stretchy garments that provide gentle compression)
Your oncologist can make recommendations for which types of compression garments would be best to wear BEFORE surgery – to help ensure that you have the most positive outcome and give yourself the best chance to heal quickly.
Check out our large selection of compression bras for lymphedema!
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