After the operation on the chest, doctors recommend wearing a bandage. Consider how the postoperative male bandage on the chest differs from the female retainer, in which cases it is prescribed, how to choose and wear it.
Why do I need a chest bandage?
The main purpose of the bandage is the reliable fixation of postoperative sutures on the chest or between the ribs. It can also be prescribed to prevent certain internal organs from moving. Thanks to the wearing of the clamp, the pressure on the internal organs is redistributed. This speeds up the healing process of joints and, accordingly, rehabilitation.
The effectiveness of wearing a postoperative chest bandage is:
- Safe chest fixation.
- Reducing pain, including during breathing.
- Accelerating the process of rehabilitation and healing of sutures.
- Reducing the load on the muscles, spine and internal organs.
- Fixation of internal organs.
Male postoperative chest bandage is designed taking into account the characteristics of the figure of the stronger sex. Like the female retainer, it is made of breathable materials. The front panel does not stretch, due to which there is a reliable fixation of the anterolateral parts of the chest, and the back is elastic. The latch is also reinforced with 4 plastic ribs to maintain proper alignment.
The functions of the thoracic postoperative bandage are to provide elastic fixation of the thoracic region, reduce pain after surgery and create optimal conditions for the healing of postoperative scars.
On the market you can find chest fixators from a variety of manufacturers at an affordable price. They may vary in type and material of manufacture. When choosing, it is worth considering not only the size of the chest, but also the quality of the sewing of the bandage.
For example, according to reviews, the postoperative male bandage on the chest T-1339 is made of high-quality materials and has a long service life. Cotton is present in the material, therefore, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal. For optimal placement on the chest, it is equipped with shoulder straps, which ensures its reliable fixation, and a special knit ensures the removal of moisture from the surface of the body.
Indications and contraindications for use
A fixative on the chest is prescribed not only after surgery, but also after injuries of a certain nature.
Indications for use:
- dull and acute injuries in the chest, rib fractures;
- after surgery in the chest area, including sternotomy;
- intercostal neuralgia and myositis, regardless of degree and localization;
- myalgia;
- the risk of hernia after surgery;
- prevention of muscle strain after surgery and with intense physical exertion.
There are no absolute indications for wearing a fixative on the chest, but there are relative indications. So, in the presence of dermatitis or other skin diseases in this area, as well as decay of sutures, you will have to refuse to wear a bandage. And in case of allergic reactions to the material or its components, the retainer is also not worn.
Types of bandages
Fixer manufacturers produce a variety of models, taking into account not only the nature of the injuries, but also the anatomical features. So, the postoperative male bandage on the chest looks like a continuous belt, while the female version has cutouts on the chest.
Types of bandages:
- fixing post-traumatic - provides reliable fixation after fracture of the ribs;
- thoracic - made in order to limit breathing and transfer it from the chest to the abdominal cavity;
- two-panel with soft support - used for neuralgic pathologies;
- after surgery on the heart - fixes the chest and promotes the speedy healing of sutures.
How to choose a chest bandage?
A kind of bandage is selected taking into account the physiological characteristics of the patient, as well as the nature of the injuries.
The parameters that must be considered when choosing a postoperative male thoracic bandage are as follows:
- width or girth of the chest - the stock should be no more than 2 cm, but you should not take less either, since the latch will compress and, accordingly, brings discomfort when worn;
- the material is best natural fabrics that allow the body to breathe and do not cause allergic reactions.
If the measurements were in the middle of what the manufacturer indicated for his model, it is better to try both options, one size larger and smaller, and evaluate the difference. In which it will be more comfortable, he is worth buying.
How to wear a bandage?
The postoperative male bandage to the chest is not worn constantly, but only for a certain time. The nuances are determined by the attending physician. It is not recommended to sleep in the fixative unless the nature of the injury requires it.
They put on a bandage lying down, because it is in this position that the muscles are relaxed, and the pressure on the chest is minimal and preferably on an incomplete exhalation. After fixing the latch, you need to slowly rise and check the degree of comfort. It should not interfere with breathing and bring pain.
While wearing the bandage every five to six hours, you need to remove it for 30 minutes. In this way, the greenhouse effect and skin irritation due to active perspiration can be prevented.
Care Tips
The postoperative male bandage on the chest is unpretentious in care, but still there are some nuances. It is better to wash the product manually or separately from other things in the “Delicate Wash” mode, after checking if the fasteners are fastened. Detergent also use delicate too. You do not need to squeeze the product, since the structure of the tissues can be disrupted, and they will no longer maintain a certain shape.
The bandage is not subject to ironing, chemical treatment, bleaching. It should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, away from the sun and high humidity.