Will Compression Garments After Rib Removal Waistline Narrowing Surgery Improve The Result?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have read online that I could wear a garment to improve outcomes of rib removal waist reduction? Will that help? I need some curve!! And for shoulder reduction when can I get back to the gym for lower body then upper body/ do a push up like yoga? 

A: Compression garments, like real corsets or even shapers, can only benefit rib removal surgery in the short term by helping reduce swelling earlier and providing ideal soft tissue shaping.  So am I am for their short term postoperative use. More compression is better than less as long as it is tolerable.

For shoulder reduction surgery it will be at least 8 weeks before more strenuous upper body work can be undertaken.

Dr. Barry Eppley

 Indianapolis, Indiana