A common practice following one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures was recently given a closer look at the Federal University of Brazil. The study was undertaken to determine whether the use of compression garments after abdominoplasty promotes changes at the femoral vein, such as venous stasis, a risk factor for blood clots.
The study, published in the January issue of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, evaluated the use of both compressive garments and Velcro binders versus neither in female patients with no prior abdominal surgery. All patients were also evaluated in both supine and Fowler positions. Common femoral vein flow speed (max, avg) and dimensions (perimeter, area and diameter) were examined with the Doppler method.
The researchers found that both garment types equally led to increased venous flow stasis, regardless of position. Additionally, the data showed that venous stasis was measurably higher in the Fowler position than in the supine position. The authors made no recommendation to discontinue compression garment use, but suggest that plastic surgeons may wish to take the elevated risk into account during post-surgical monitoring, and with regard to the recuperative position recommended.
