FAQs

What’s the difference between 1^st and 2^nd Stage garments?

The terms ‘first stage’ and ‘second stage’ for compression garments relate to the phase of recovery that they are worn. First stage garments have stronger compression and some are double-reinforced for extra support in the initial phase of post-operative recovery. They also have features such as adjustable front-mounted hook and eye fastenings and open crotch for added convenience and comfort. Usually around two to three weeks after surgery it is possible to switch to less intensive, ‘second-stage’ garments, which are usually pull-on, without any fastenings, and they tend to be more discreet under clothing. This tends to make them more comfortable for patients to wear continuously, and in some cases second-stage garments are worn for longer than is strictly required for recovery, simply because people appreciate the additional support they provide.

At RECOVA® Compression, we offer a wide range of specialised post-operative compression garments including ‘first stage’ products for the initial recovery phase (usually 2-6 weeks after surgery), and ‘second stage’ products for later in the recovery period (usually 2-8 weeks after surgery).

Why should I wear a post-operative compression garment or bra after my surgery?

In addition to skin incisions that usually result in discreet scars, cosmetic surgery typically results in damage to tissues that are hidden under the skin. Many surgical procedures often involve severing or removing connective tissue and delicate blood and lymph vessels. This damage can be small-scale or widespread, depending on the type of surgery, and it can take weeks or months for your body to fully recover from the trauma.

Plastic surgeons agree that one of the fundamental aspects of patient recovery from cosmetic surgery is the selection and appropriate use of a well-fitted compression garment or post-surgery bra. These specially-designed bras, girdles, vests and binders provide compression and support throughout the recovery phase. Medically, their function is to ease post-operative complications such as bruising, fluid build-up, haematomas and seromas, and there is evidence to suggest that compression can reduce scar formation. But there are also potential benefits in appearance when using post-surgery garments, as they help to promote and guide skin retraction and connective tissue formation, while reducing the risk of unsightly folds and creases. Also, patients often find that high quality compression garments and surgical bras help to relieve pain, particularly during the first week or so after the operation.

Medical-grade compression garments have many important functions, for instance they:-

• Provide sustained pressure and support to aid recovery;
• Promote effective blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the affected area;
• Minimise the risk of complications (e.g. bruising, haematomas, thrombosis);
• Improve body contouring and skin retraction (i.e. minimise sagging);
• Improve comfort, control pain, reduce swelling and potentially minimise scarring.

Why should I purchase a compression garment or bra from RECOVA®?

At RECOVA® Compression, we are fully dedicated to the supply of the highest quality specialised medical-grade compression garments and post-surgery bras. We consider that choosing the right compression garment can help to ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable recovery after your surgery, and therefore we have invested a considerable amount of time and effort examining the products on the market and ensuring that our garments are of a superior standard. RECOVA® main garments and bras are made in Spain by VOE GARMENTS using laboratory-tested medical-grade fabrics with an optimal blend of genuine LYCRA® for firm and even compression, and ultra-soft polyamide microfibre for comfort and durability over long periods of continuous wear. Our garments stretch and flex with your movements like a second skin, allowing for maximum comfort during normal activity. They are also designed with specialised features such as front or side-mounted fastenings and hook-and-eye closures to make it easier to put them on and take them off comfortably, and which also have the benefit of being adjustable to account for fluctuations in size due to swelling and contraction. In addition, they all have flat seams to minimise skin irritation and an open crotch to make visits to the bathroom a lot easier. Our garments are also free of allergens such as latex.

But it’s not just about the quality of our products. When you order a garment from RECOVA® Compression you are benefiting from the collective experience of a manufacturer who has specialised in making compression garments for 35 years, and a supplier who has worked alongside leading UK-based plastic surgeons and assisted patients with post-surgery care after numerous different procedures. Your satisfaction as a customer is of the utmost importance to us and we aim to help you to achieve a rapid and smooth post-operative rehabilitation by providing you with high quality compression garments and a quick, efficient service. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have regarding post-operative garments so please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of anything.

To ensure that the products we supply remain at the forefront of compression garment design and that they most effectively suit patients’ needs, RECOVA® also regularly liaises with leading plastic surgeons, hospitals and clinics to maintain our knowledge of the latest surgical techniques and innovations.

RECOVA® Compression provides garments with:-

• Medical-grade firm and durable compression;
• Breathable and antibacterial 4-way stretch fabrics;
• Optimal LYCRA® and soft polyamide microfibre content;
• Flat seams and front or side-mounted fastenings for comfort;
• Three adjustable fastenings to allow for swelling and contraction;
• Front opening post-surgery bras with wide padded shoulder straps;
• Stylish post-surgical bras in a range of different fabrics (blends with cotton, LYCRA® and microfibre with aloe vera microcapsules).

What if I can’t find my measurements in the sizing chart?

If you find that your size does not appear to be within the range of sizes available on our website then please contact us and we will gladly help you choosing the size.
We can also arrange for a custom garment made for you at an additional £25.00 (2-3 weeks delivery time).  Please have your measurements ready when contacting us and we will respond you as soon as possible.

How important is the fit of the garment?

The fit of your garment is very important as it will determine the degree of support and compression it provides, and hence the amount of post-operative healing benefit it delivers. A poorly fitting compression garment, that is either too loose, too tight or that has highly uneven distribution of pressure, can result in unnecessary discomfort. Therefore, we strongly recommended that you measure yourself according to the instructions provided in our sizing guide before ordering a compression garment.

The garment should fit quite snug prior to surgery, but it should also be comfortable. 

In some cases, it is best to order two different sizes so you can try them on at home and choose which size is best for you. We also offer quick exchange service if required.

Remember, we are here to help, if you are unsure of your size or you would like some advice on choosing garments or bras to suit your specific requirements then please contact the RECOVA® team which will very gladly help you out

How long should I wear my garment for?

We recommend that you speak to your surgeon regarding the post-surgery compression therapy regime to follow. The recommendation of your surgeon will depend on the type of procedure that you have had, the expected rate of recovery and any complications arising from the surgery. Prescribed compression regimes may range from as little as two weeks, to as long as three months. However, it is generally accepted by plastic surgeons that the initial two to three weeks post-surgery are the most significant, and this is usually the period when ‘first stage’ compression garments are worn.

How do I wash my garment?

Since compression garments and post-surgery bras are worn continuously for long periods it is recommended that they are washed periodically to maintain skin hygiene. For optimum care of your garment and to preserve the elasticity and softness of the fabric, it is recommended that it is washed on a cool (30°C or less), gentle cycle in your washing machine with a mild detergent (preferably non-biological detergent to prevent skin irritation). Hang to dry. Do not tumble dry or iron as this can damage the fabric.

RECOVA® compression garments are laboratory tested to ensure that they retain their strength and elasticity throughout long periods of wear and numerous wash cycles.

For convenience we recommend that two garments are purchased to allow for continuous wear while one of the garments is being cleaned.

I have sensitive skin/allergies. Are your garments hypoallergenic?

This is an understandable concern since compression garments should be worn continuously for several weeks. However, at RECOVA® all our garments and bras are OEKO-TEX certified which means that they are completely free of potential allergens such as latex or formaldehyde. In addition, they are designed with flat seams, wide shoulder straps and no underwiring or metals stays, for minimal skin irritation. The fabrics are soft and smooth, with microfibre to reduce friction, and they are breathable while also wicking moisture away from the skin to maximise comfort.

We recommend that garments are washed using non-biological detergent, particularly for people with sensitive skin.

What are your garments made from?

At RECOVA® Compression we supply medical-grade garments which are manufactured mostly by VOE GARMENTS, a well-established company in Spain that uses highly specialised fabrics made with optimum blends of genuine LYCRA® and soft polyamide microfibre to provide the perfect balance of firm compression and maximum comfort. The blend of yarns within each garment varies depending on the type of product and its purpose, with girdles having as much as 42% LYCRA® content for ‘four-way stretch’ elasticity and compression and 58% soft polyamide microfibre for softness and durability. The fabrics are breathable and are designed to wick moisture away from the skin for added comfort. Our compression garment fabrics are also laboratory tested to ensure that they provide optimal compression over long periods of wear and numerous wash cycles.

How soon will I receive my garment?

This will depend on the delivery method selected when ordering.

Most UK orders received before 3pm (Monday to Friday) should arrive within 1-3 working days by Standard Traked Delivery (£4.95). We also offer next day delivery service (£9.50). However, we recommend that you place your order at least seven days before your operation.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent upon dispatch.

You can also request to have your order shipped direct to the clinic of your choice, so that when you arrive for your operation it is available for you. Please  contact your clinic to let them know so they can look out fir the parcel. 

What is your exchange/returns policy?

We hope you are happy with your purchase, however, if you are not completely satisfied, you may return it to us for a refund or exchange.

To return an item, please do so within 28 days of the purchase date. All returns items must in its original condition, tag and packaging included and not have been worn, washed, damadge, or soiled (with stains). Please use underwear when trying on the garments. 

To arrange a return/collection, please visit the Returns Portal with Royal Mail (Recova Compression)

https://www.royalmail.com/track-my-return#/details/7090

Please be aware that we charge a flat rate of £3.00 for all returns when arranged via our Returns Manager. You will receive the cost of the garment, minus the cost of delivery fees back.

We are unable to offer returns for international customers through our returns portal, returns must be made at your own cost. 
Returns address: Recova Compression, 7 Joseph Clibbon Drive, Essex, CM1 6AS. United Kingdom

If you need an exchange urgently, please re-order again and send the current item(s) back to us for a refund. 

Refunds will cover the purchase cost of returned goods only and not the cost of delivery unless the item is deemed to be faulty.

Please note that this exchange and returns policy does not apply to custom-made garments which are non-refundable.

If you have any questions or comments regarding our products or the service you have received then please do not hesitate to contact us at info@recovapostsurgery.com