Compression garments are widely applied and recommended in PoTS, vaso-vagal syncope or orthostatic hypotension cases.
"A small study in 2021 demonstrated that compression clothing reduced patients’ symptoms and lessened the increase in heart rate when patients were upright. This study found that compressing both legs and abdomen was more effective than compressing only the legs." (online sourse)
What does that mean?
Let's look at the below examples:
1) If you’ve had surgery on the thighs only, you should consider a compression garment that covers more of your leg (such as from below the knee) and at least a high waist on the torso. The lymphatic system doesn’t only need to work on the injured area, it must still maintain efficient circulation in the rest of the body. If more surface area is covered by compression, this makes its job easier.
2) If you’ve had liposuction to the abdomen or tummy tuck, you must consider wearing a compression garment with legs (this can be shorts, knee, below knee) and ideally with support over the shoulder so the passage at the side of the rib cage into the armpit isn’t cut off by the elasticated band. Why not a girdle, some would ask - girdles tend to cut into the groin / inguinal area and thus restrict the lymph flow to Inguinal lymph nodes. Yes, you must ensure the area is free so fluids can pass uninterrupted. The swelling will clear quicker, and you will avoid chafing and other irritations that come with it.
Take it from the pro - The rule of thumb is that covering a larger surface area with compression supports the lymphatic system's function in the whole body. How? By eliminating congestion in the areas next to the areas where surgery was performed.