When are stitches removed, and how long is a compression garment worn?

By UK NHS guidance, stitches are generally removed or dissolve after 1 to 2 weeks, and a compression garment is worn from 1–2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the procedure.

Source — NHS (UK)

How to read the table

Stitch removal and compression serve different purposes. Stitches hold the wound until it heals; a compression garment reduces swelling and helps the shape settle. So stitches are similar at 1 to 2 weeks, while compression ranges from 1–2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the procedure.

What these figures do not mean

Taking off the garment is not the end of recovery. The final shape takes longer to settle.

What makes the difference?

• Suture material — With dissolvable stitches there is sometimes nothing to remove.
• Incision length — The longer the incision, the longer it takes to heal.
• Purpose of compression — To reduce swelling and help the shape settle.

The suture material sets the timing of stitch removal

With dissolvable stitches nothing is removed; otherwise a removal date is set. The UK NHS gives about 1 week for liposuction and 1 to 2 weeks for breast enlargement and gynecomastia surgery. The timing is similar because the time a wound takes to heal does not differ much between areas. Asking in advance which stitches are used makes it easier to plan visits.

Why compression differs so much between procedures

A compression garment reduces swelling and helps the shape settle, so the wider the area treated, the longer it is needed. The UK NHS gives 1 to 2 weeks day and night for gynecomastia surgery and 6 weeks for a tummy tuck. After breast enlargement a sports bra may be advised for up to 3 months, so the form of 'compression' itself differs by procedure.

Why the wearing conditions should be pinned down as numbers

The number of days alone does not settle daily life. How many hours a day, whether at night too, and what to do when showering all have to be decided. Conditions are sometimes attached, as when the UK NHS specifies day-and-night wear after gynecomastia surgery. Checking in advance whether the clinic provides the garment or you buy it makes preparation easier.

What to confirm at consultation

• Whether the garment is worn at night too, and for how many hours
• Whether the clinic provides the garment or you buy it

Asking about your own case

The table above gives general ranges and does not apply to you as it stands. Rephrasing the question like this at consultation gets you an answer for your own case.

Are the stitches dissolvable? For the garment: how many days, how many hours a day, and at night too?

Common misunderstandings

Once the stitches are out, can I take off the garment?

The two serve different purposes and so have different timings. Stitches hold the wound until it heals and are generally removed or dissolve within 1 to 2 weeks; a compression garment reduces swelling and helps the shape settle, and for a tummy tuck it is worn for up to 6 weeks.

Can I take the garment off for a while?

The wearing conditions differ by procedure and area. The UK NHS gives day-and-night wear for 1 to 2 weeks after gynecomastia surgery. Get specifics at consultation: how many hours a day and whether at night too.

Related questions

• When do results show, and how long do swelling and scars last?
• Do I need to stay in hospital after cosmetic surgery?
• Which symptoms after surgery mean I should contact the clinic immediately?