02dsBrandy1135

Dermatologic Surgery

2002 Abstract

0212-1135 Brandy

Brandy DA.
A new foam girdle for the significant reduction of ecchymoses post-liposuction. Dermatol Surg. 2002 Dec;28(12):1135-7; discussion 1137. PMID: 12472493

Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA.

BACKGROUND: Reston foam (3M, St. Paul, MN) has been used in the past for the
reduction of ecchymoses postliposuction surgery. The application of this
modality, however, can cause allergic dermatitis, bullae formation and
postinflammatory hyper-pigmentation, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to
apply. OBJECTIVE: To develop a girdle that protects the skin from the
aforementioned problems while incorporating the concepts of foam compression.
METHODS: A garment was developed that incorporates foam into a lycra covering.
Velcro straps are placed throughout the entire length of the girdle so that the
surgeon can adjust the pressure according to specific needs. This garment is
kept on for two to three days. RESULTS: No cases of allergic dermatitis, bullae
formation or postinflammatory pigmentations were found with using this garment
in over 800 cases. CONCLUSION: In most cases, Reston foam is a good adjunct to
liposuction surgery. However, it can occasionally cause allergic dermatitis,
bullae formation or postinflammatory hyper-pigmentation and can take an
inordinately long time to apply. The author presents a new garment that
incorporates the foam into a lycra covering that includes velcro-adjustable
straps along the entire length of the girdle. This garment has not caused the
aforementioned problems of dermatitis, bullae formation or postinflammatory
hyper-pigmentation in over 800 cases.