Ready-Made or Custom Lymphedema Garments – Which one is better?

Women who have been treated for breast cancer or who have undergone a mastectomy, lumpectomies, radiation treatment, or other breast surgeries often face a lifetime risk of developing lymphedema. It is a chronic condition of swelling in arms and legs. This problem negatively affects the breast cancer survivors' quality of life. Patients can never regain their skin elasticity because the elastic fibers in the skin gets damaged due to the swelling present in lymphedema. External support in the form of Custom lymphedema full leg garments or arm sleeves are an essential component to control or manage lymphedema.

The main goal of the compression garments is to maintain the reduction that has occurred during the intensive phase of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). But selecting the appropriate compression garment is quite a tedious task. There are a few factors that you should consider while selecting custom-made or ready-made compression garment.

Shape – Custom compression garments are a great option for people of all size and weight. Regardless of the traditional sizing and styles, in which some people are not able to fit, customized lymphedema garments are made of flexible fabric. All of the custom garments are measured and created depending on your individual size, by a certified fitter. If you have a fitting problem after the product is delivered, the fitter will return the garment to the vendor to be redone.

Compression Classes – The level of compression is completely based on the value of pressure the garment will produce on the affected part. Custom arm sleeves or lymphedema full leg garments are available in three compression levels, namely Stage 1: mild stage, Stage 2: moderate stage, Stage 3: lymphostatic elephatiasis (severe stage). The compression garments reduce swelling and also make sure that the pool of fluid does not get accumulated in the lymphatic systems and in the interstitial spaces. Ready-made garments do not come in different compression levels and are not effective in applying right pressure in the affected part as they are not custom fitted.

Skin Integrity – If there are wounds or any other skin related disorder, it is recommended to wear a more breathable customized garment. Sometimes it is required to wear an under stocking to avoid slippage of wound dressings while you're wearing the garment. Compression garments can have silver thread knitted into the garment. They are commonly used in the treatment of wounds and have natural antimicrobial properties. If wounds are there, a zipper option is best suitable.

Comfortable and Compression Levels – Properly fitted compression arm sleeves or lymphedema full leg garments should feel comfortable and not uneasy considering you will be wearing it all the time. It might take a few days to adjust to the pressure. Wear your compression garments when you first get out of bed before swelling occurs.  You should also be wearing a night garment.   Only custom lymphedema garments give you different compression levels at different areas, thus helping you avoid skin cuts. If in case, you still face the problem in wearing the compression garments, layer two garments of lesser compression or use a zipper. In the case of full leg garments, apply a thin layer of powder so that the garment slides smoothly over your skin.

The most important thing to remember while selecting the right lymphedema garment is that you must feel comfortable in it. Talk to your therapist to select the most suitable compression garments based on your situation, lymphedema stage, difficulties, skin issues, and compression class.