Overview
Calla by Qualiteam - designed to be efficient, comfortable and fashionable while complementing your aesthetic healing.
When you get cosmetic or plastic surgery to improve your appearance or repair surgical deformations, it is our aim to make you feel beautiful - right from the start.
Topics
(click on the topic to jump to the section)
- Surgeries worldwide
- Basic requirements of compression garments
- Breast surgery (Augmentation, mammoplasty, lift, reconstruction)
- Weight loss (Liposuction, fat reduction, lipoplasty & body contouring)
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
- Eye lid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Ginecomastia (Breast reduction in male patients)
Cosmetic & plastic surgeries worldwide
The market is huge with more than 10 mills. surgical procedures in the world. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the 5 biggest markets are the USA, Brazil, Japan, Mexico and Italy, and those 5 countries combined do almost 40% of all worldwide procedures. The USA alone makes almost 1.6 mills. surgical procedures.
From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS):
- Total procedures: 17.7 million with 15.9 mill minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures and 1.8 mills. surgical in 2018 - an increase of almost 250.000 procedures compared to 2017.
The most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the world is breast augmentation with over 1.6 mills. procedures of which 313.000 are in the USA. Liposuction and eyelid surgery follow closely with 1.5 and 1.3 mills. cases respectively worldwide and the US performs about 16% of those.
Women represent 86% of all worldwide cases, and the 5 most popular procedures are Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, Abdominoplasty and Breast lifts.
14% of worldwide surgeries are performed on men and what they request the most is surgery on eyelids, gynecomastia, rhinoplasty, liposuction and hair transplants.
Basic requirements of compression garments
What are the basic requirements of compression garments?
First we should understand why compression is used.
It will decrease pain when applied on sore parts of your body. Just relate to when you support a bruised, sore muscle with an elastic band. It does relieve pain.
Compression also increases blood circulation which means more oxygenated blood is brought to the compressed area to boost healing.
Compression minimizes swelling since it disperses the lymphatic fluid build-up thereby removing waste products.
Compression will stabilize your muscles which can help during activity, - and finally - compression gives a heightened sense of movement which helps to adopt more correct positions.
However, compression products used in postoperative recovery must be designed for their specific purpose and measured for the individual to give a true, useful compression.
Here at Qualiteam we have researched what makes an ideal, efficient compression garment.
It has to be comfortable and fit snugly and ergonomically to the contours of your body. The compression must be controlled and adjustable, considering your anatomy.
Of course it should cover the area where you had the surgery but not much more than that.
The material should have an optimum air permeability as well as heat and moisture transmission. It should also be light, smooth and elastic with optimum extensibility and elastic recovery.
It should be seamless, without zippers, clasps, hard plastic or metal parts at the incision lines or where in touch with the skin.
The garment closures should be adapted to the procedure to prevent you from having to make strenuous movements to open or close it. And finally the material should be latex-free, hypoallergenic and washable.
The Calla by Qualiteam products have all been designed with these characteristics in mind.
Key points:
Why compression?
- Supports sore tissues which decreases pain
- Increases blood circulation which brings oxygenated blood to the compressed area to boost healing
- Minimizes swelling by dispersing lymphatic fluid build up and removes waste products
- Stabilizes muscles which helps to activity
- Gives a heightened sense of movement, which helps to adopt correct posture
The ideal, efficient compression garment:
- Comfortable, yet fits snugly and ergonomically to the body contour
- Controlled, adjustable compression taking human anatomy into consideration
- Covers the treated areas
- Optimum air permeability, heat, moisture transmission
- Light, smooth elastic fabric with optimum extensibility and elastic recovery
- Seamless with no zippers, clasps, hard plastic or metal parts at incision lines and skin
- Garment closures adapted to the procedure to avoid strenuous movement
- Latex free, hypoallergenic and washable
For products to give true, useful compression, they must be designed for purpose and measured for the individual
Postoperative care in general
Generally speaking all patients will experience bruising, swelling, and pain, and they will be sore. There will often be one or more drains during the first days after surgery.
Compression garments and cold packs are usually advised. It will depend on the surgeons preference, and of course the type of surgery performed.
Cold packs should normally be used for 20 minutes at a time every 1 or 2 hours for the first couple of days after surgery, or until the swelling disappears.
Breast Surgery
The most popular plastic surgery procedure: Breast augmentation.
It’s done to make the breasts larger, but also to reconstruct a breast after removal.
Surgeons use implants with saline or silicone, or fat grafting.
Fat grafting is when liposuction is used to transfer fat tissue from another part of the body to the breast area.
There are different ways to position the implants. The 3 common incision sites are Inframammary - directly under the breast; Periareolar - directly under the nipple; or Axillary - under the armpits.
Breast implants need to be exchanged every 10-15 years, or removed, because the shell of the implants can break down and leak, and the scar tissue around the implant can harden - causing pain.
Breast lift procedures are becoming popular as a method to restructure breasts that have lost shape, volume or are sagging - perhaps because of weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding. The incisions are made above and below the nipple, and at the lower part of the breast. The nipple and areola is shifted to a higher position and the breast tissue trimmed and reshaped in the lower area.
Similar incisions and procedures are used when performing Breast reductions. Here excess tissue, fat, and skin will be eliminated, and the entire breast is lifted to a higher position on the chest. This procedure is often combined with liposuction to contour the underarm area.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild and reconstruct breast(s) after mastectomy or lumpectomy, usually due to cancer. Breast cancer can hit both women and men.
There are 3 methods:
- Immediate reconstruction at the same time as the breast is being removed.
- Delayed reconstruction after radiation or chemotherapy, or other therapies. This can be up to 6-12 months after the breast removal.
- And, Delayed-immediate reconstruction which is a combination where a temporary tissue expander or implant is inserted to make room and preserve the shape of the breast and skin during radiation treatments. More reconstructive surgery will then be done later.
Another procedure is to use a flap of tissue from another place on the body instead of implants, - or a combination of both procedures.
Many flap procedures use tissue from the abdominal area, which will leave incisions and sore muscles in need of compression during the healing period.
Flap procedures are sometimes combined with fat transfer where liposuction is used to remove the fat which is then injected directly into the breast area.
Flap reconstruction can give serious issues after surgery such as scar adhesions, immobility, weak abdominal muscles, and tissue fibrosis that can limit range of motion in the trunk or extremity. It can also result in poor posture, shoulder and back pain, and lymphedema.
Unfortunately, after breast removal, more than 50% of women develop lymphedema which interferes with wound healing, increases the risk of infection and can lead to chronic fibrosis.
More than 250.000 women are affected in the US, and according to the National Institute of Health 5% get it within the first year after surgery, 30% within 10 years, and as many as 60% within 25 years.
Treatment involves manual lymph drainage, exercise, proper skin care, compression therapy and the use of compression garments.
Postoperative care after breast augmentation
Let’s look at postoperative care after breast augmentation, the top cosmetic procedure in the world.
Patients are sore, the breast area swells and there is pain the first days maybe weeks. There are usually 2 drainage systems during the first couple of days to remove excess fluid.
Typically, patients are advised to wear a soft bra without underwires or a sports bra without too much compression so the implants can settle correctly. Too much compression could reposition the implants so they get to sit too high. Sometimes patients are advised to wear a breast implant stabilizing band in combination with a bra.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advise on their official web site that they strongly recommend patients to buy 1 or 2 recovery bras to maximize postoperative comfort, stabilize the implants, increase blood circulation and ensure good lymph drainage with a mild compression. Without specifying brands they simply tell patients to get what suits their needs and body best. They also say patients must wear the bra at all times, so they should look for features like breathable fabric, seamless design, adjustable straps and a pressure-free fit. They even inform that some styles have bands to help manage post-operative swelling. But, they ultimately leave the choice of bra up to the patient.
Postoperative care after breast reconstruction
After breast reconstruction there is usually moderate swelling in the reconstructed breast, under the arm and in the abdomen (when tissue is taken from there). A bra is recommended to hold the bandages in place and give compression to help minimize swelling. However, it depends on the surgeon’s preference and the type of surgery.
When compression bras are recommended, they must be used at all times for the first 4 to 6 weeks.
If you have had reconstructions with flaps, you might be advised not to use any compression for the first 6 weeks since the flap tissue is fragile, and the blood vessels need to reconnect so compression could cause loosing a flap.
Abdominal compression binders are usually recommended after flap surgeries for 6 to 8 weeks. This is because these surgeries can put patients in high risk of developing hernia or abdominal bulging. Patients also have decreased trunk flexion and rotation strength, and an abdominal binder helps to protect the body during lifting and functional activities. Often, there are one or more drainage systems that will be removed some days after surgery. The Jackson-Pratt bulbs are commonly used
Compression data
Post-surgical bras are often called compression bras, but when you look for compression data there is none. You can find compression level indications for stockings but not for bras or abdominal binders. Yet, calculation and control of pressure levels is crucial in the design and development of all compression garments.
Wearing comfort of a compression garment directly affects your willingness to wear it and to stick to the physicians instructions for the recommended duration of use. When garments have a correct compression level the blood circulation is not obstructed.
This chart below shows how compression levels are graded in Medical Grade class 1, 2 and 3. Class 1 grades refer to Mild, Moderate and Firm compression. These are the safe levels of compression up to 30 mmHg, and used without recommendations from a physician.
All Calla products have been tested for compression level, and we have sized them to give a mild compression. Since all the products have an adjustable closure, it is possible to reach higher compression levels if desired.
Calla Cozy - Post surgery bra
The Calla Cozy post surgical bra is extremely comfortable, without underwires, and seamless. It provides a safe and mild compression.
The Cozy bra has a special adjustable combo front closure, using velcro for the underbust band, combined with 3 separate hook and eyes that each have a 3 step setting. The Cozy bra has a high body design to make sure there is no interference with incisions in the infra-mammary area.
The shoulder straps have a 3 step hook and eye closure. This adjustability gives an incredible flexibility concerning comfort and compression level of the bra.
In addition, we have designed it to have ample support under the arms which is important for many breast surgeries where swelling may happen in that area.
You can choose between two back designs: A beautiful multiband design or a sporty racer back.
Calla Cozy is made of a special, patented, Italian made material called Sensitive Power. This beautiful material is comfortable, breathable, quick to dry, blocks the damaging effects of the sun by an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50+, it is chlorine resistant, care is easy and it is wrinkle-free.
It is available in 3 sizes, Extra Small/Small, Medium/Large and XL/double XL. Each size spans over two because of the adjustability with the front and shoulder closures. Sizing is chosen by measuring under the breasts. Calla Cozy fits bra cups B, C and D. If you use DD, we recommend you go up one size - and yes, we can make custom sizes upon request.
Calla Cozy is also available in a version with pockets for insertion of a breast pad or external prostesis for women who have had a breast removed and are waiting for reconstruction.
True Seamless.
What does seamless mean? It sounds like there would be no seams in the bra, however, it refers to when manufacturers use a special machine to knit the garment in a tube fashion so less seams are needed to put the bra together. This is convenient for manufacturers but not really for you as a patient.
Look here what the inside of the underbust part looks like in a typical seamless bra. The machine-made finish of the underbust band creates a seam-like effect that can be worse against an incision than an actual seam.
On the contrary, the Calla Cozy bra is a seamless bra to the word. Look here at the inside. Smooth and no seams at all. We achieve that by attaching the underbust band on the outside of the bra material. This means that the inframammary line area, where the incisions are made in the majority of breast interventions, is completely free from any irritating effect from the bra.
Calla Breast Implant Stabilizer
This breast implant stabilizer band is made of beautiful elastic lace in white or black and has an adjustable velcro closure.
It is perfect to be used along with the Calla Cozy bra for breast augmentation procedures.
Designed to provide a light downward stabilizing pressure to prevent implant slippage and promote proper implant positioning after breast implantation procedures, also known as breast augmentation or mammoplasty.It had an adjustable velcro closure and it's available in a beautiful elastic lace soft material in white or black.
The Calla breast implant stabilizer band should be used as instructed by the surgeon, generally for several weeks after surgery.
Weight loss (Liposuction, fat reduction, lipoplasty & body contouring)
Liposuction is one of the most performed cosmetic procedures. Suction is used to remove fat from certain areas of the body. There are also non-surgical ways to reduce fat, such as Cryolipolysis, called Coolsculpting, Laser lipolysis, lipolysis done by Radiofrequency, or Ultrasound infrared light techniques, and vacuum massage and injection lipolysis.
The most common method is Tumescent liposuction where a mixture of sterile salt water, lidocaine, which is a pain reliever, and epinephrine, a drug that constricts blood vessels, is injected causing the area to swell and stiffen. A thin cannula is then inserted through small cuts in the skin and connected to a vacuum to suck fat and fluids away.
Another technique is Ultrasound-assisted liposuction where a metal rod emits ultrasonic energy to rupture and break down the fat-cells for easier removal.
Laser-assisted liposuction uses high-intensity laser light to break down the fat, while Power-assisted liposuction is when a cannula inserted under the skin, moves in rapid back-and-forth motions. These vibrations make it easier and faster to pull out tough fat with more precision.
Tummy tuck is one of the top 5 cosmetic surgeries, often needed after major weight loss. It is done through lower abdominal incisions of various lengths.
Another increasingly popular procedure is the buttock lift, which is done to improve contour, size or shape of the buttocks by using silicone implants or fat grafting for a so-called Brazilian Butt lift. Or the procedure can be a combination of the two.
Lift procedures are also done on the upper arms and the thighs.
Body lift
Body lift procedures can involve the complete body for a total body contouring, specially after major weight loss. It’s done on the face, breasts, arms, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Another version is the Mommy Makeover which is body contouring after child birth.
Body Contouring:
Skin Removal After Major Weight Loss
Arm lift: correct sagging of the upper arms
Breast lift: correct sagging, flattened breasts
Facelift: correct sagging of the mid-face, jowls and neck
Lower body lifts: correct sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs
Medial thigh lift: correct sagging of the inner thigh
Tummy tuck: correct apron of excess skin hanging over the abdomen
Mommy Makeover:
Restoring the body shape after childbearing
Breast augmentation
Breast lift
Buttock augmentation
Liposuction
Tummy tuck
Vaginal rejuvenation
Calla Abdominal Compression Pro
Since the stitches are not close to the velcro closures, each band can be opened as needed to inspect a wound. The top band can be opened for comfort when sitting down or for additional back support. Drainage tubes can exit between the bands without the need to separate the systems. And an universal drainage bottle holder that can be slipped over one of the bands without the need for pins or tape.
The calla compression pro binder is for tummy tuck procedures, liposuction, flap procedures in breast reconstruction cases, body contouring and mommy make-overs.
We have a single band version available of the Calla compression binder which might be preferred for interventions with smaller incisions.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Facelift surgery is done to improve visible signs of ageing in the face and neck area, which can be sagging of the skin, deepening of the fold lines between the nose and the corners of the mouth, jowls formation in the cheeks, and loose skin of the neck.
Patients are usually in their 50’s or 60’s when this surgery is done. There are many different types of face lift methods and which one used will depend on the individual patients need.
The incisions are usually in the hairline and around the ears.
Different types of face lift:
- Deep Plane Face Lift
- SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) Lift
- Mini or Short Scar Facelifts
- Midface or Cheek Lift
- Neck lift (lower rhytidectomy)
- Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
- Endoscopic Lift
- Thread Lift (Aptos or Feather Lift)
Calla Lace & Calla Breeze chin and cheek compression
Our Calla solution which is available in beautiful elastic Lace or Breeze material, and we make them in white or black. The Calla Lace and Breeze have neck bands with a velcro closure, and the face bands also closes with velcro at the crown of the head.
What’s important are the small elastic ribbons that go around the back of the head. They will keep the face band in position and prevent it from slipping on the hair.
Both versions are available with pockets for cold packs. In fact, we supply the Calla Lace or Breeze with 2 cold packs included in the package.
The Calla Lace is intended for women while the Breeze version is for men. Both are available in 5 sizes from Extra Small to Extra Large. The applications are all versions of Face lift procedures, and for dental interventions like tooth extractions where patients might need to treat the area with cold packs. Hospital prices are listed here showing without and with pouches and cold packs.
Eye lid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is one of the most popular procedures in the world both for women and men. What bothers patients is loose or sagging skin around the eyes, puffiness or bags under the eyes, or drooping eyelids. The excess skin is surgically removed to improve the upper or lower eyelids or both.
Calla Eye & Nose Band
The Calla Eye & Nose Band is made of beautiful elastic lace and closes at the back of the head with adjustable velcro. Available in black or white.Two conveniently sized cold packs are supplied with the Calla Eye & Nose Band. It is designed to relieve pain and discomfort after eye lift surgery (blepharoplasty), or other surgeries in the eye area that requires cold treatment. The pockets in the Calla Eye & Nose Band makes the cold treatment hands-free with increased convenience and relaxation as the surgical area receives the soothing cold therapy.
Ginecomastia (Breast reduction in male patients)
Male Breast Reduction Surgery. This is done to correct overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men which can be caused by some medications, use of marijuana, hormonal abnormalities, heredity, obesity, tumors or severe kidney or liver disease.
Too much fat, and/or glandular tissue development in the breast area, and it can involve one or both breasts. The excess tissue is removed surgically, or by using liposuction, or a combination of both.
Thor & Thor.2 chest compression binder
The Thor chest compression. It features 2 compression settings in one product, has a mid-front closure and is made of our soft, light, ventilated material, that has been well proven in QualiBreath. Thor has shoulder straps that conveniently close anywhere on the material with velcro.
Note how Thor is only covering the surgical area, so it is not restricting breathing. Just that makes it much more comfortable than other products available.
If needed, we have the AxillaPads for additional comfort under the arms.
We have a Thor.2 version of Thor which does the same for the patient, but because it is made of 2 separate bands attached to each other with our patented stitching technique, it has individual compression settings of each band and therefore increased conformity to the body contour.
In addition, drainage tubes can exit between the bands and we have a drainage bottle holder accessory that easily slips over one of the bands without the use of pins or tape.
Measurement for sizing of Thor is at the fullest point of the breast. Since breast tissue is being removed during gyneco-mastectomy procedures this should be taken into account when choosing size. However, the velcro can close directly on the black material so it is not crucial.
Remember that Thor and Thor.2 can also be used for other interventions in the chest including rib fractures.
