Lymphedema Compression Garments
and Services
For many patients who have undergone surgery or radiation treatment for breast cancer, lymphedema is a reality they were not fully prepared for. Swelling, heaviness, and discomfort in the arm, hand, trunk, or breast can appear right after treatment or emerge months or even years later. Properly fitted compression garments are among the most effective tools for managing lymphedema and preventing its progression. At Over My Head Boutique, we are here to help you understand your options and find the right fit.
Lymphedema is a condition caused by damage to or removal of lymph nodes, which disrupts the normal flow of lymphatic fluid through the body. During breast cancer treatment, lymph nodes under the arm, known as axillary lymph nodes, are often removed or treated with radiation. These nodes are responsible for draining lymphatic vessels from the upper arms, most of the breast, the chest, the neck, and the underarm area.
When a significant number of these nodes are removed or affected by radiation, the risk of lymphedema increases and remains elevated for life. Radiation can cause scarring and blockages that further compound this risk. Lymphedema can develop soon after surgery or radiation, but it can also appear months or years down the road, which is why ongoing awareness and proper management are so important.
Compression garments, including specialized arm sleeves, gloves, and gauntlets for the hand and wrist or compression bras for the trunk and breast, work by applying consistent, graduated pressure to the affected area. This helps promote healthy circulation, reduce fluid buildup, and provide lasting comfort during recovery and beyond.
What We Offer
Over My Head Boutique carries professionally fitted lymphedema compression garments for the upper extremities and the trunk/breast, including arm sleeves, gloves, and gauntlets for the hand and wrist and compression bras for the trunk/breast. We work with mediUSA, a trusted name in compression therapy known for quality, comfort, and a wide range of styles and colors for upper extremities, and American Breast Care for truncal compression.
We understand that managing a medical condition does not mean giving up on comfort or personal style. Whether you need a garment for daily wear, activity, or travel, we will help you find an option that fits not just your body, but your life.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
Compression garments are medical devices, and fit is everything. A garment that is too loose will not provide the therapeutic pressure needed to manage lymphedema. One that is too tight can restrict circulation and worsen symptoms. Proper fitting by a trained specialist ensures that your garment performs as intended and that you are comfortable wearing it, which is essential for effective management.
Our lymphedema compression fitter will take careful measurements and factor in the specifics of your condition before recommending a garment. We also take the time to show you how to put on, take off, and care for your garments properly, because how you wear and maintain them is just as important as the garments themselves.
What to Expect
Our lymphedema fitting process is thorough, educational, and centered entirely on your comfort and well-being. Here is what a typical appointment looks like:
- Obtain a Physician’s Prescription and a Lymphedema Therapist Referral: A prescription from your physician is required before your fitting appointment as well as a referral from your lymphedema therapist. If you are unsure how to obtain one or what it should include, contact us, and we will walk you through it.
- Consultation with a Lymphedema Compression Fitter: You will meet one-on-one with our lymphedema compression fitter, who will review your prescription and therapist referral, and help determine which type of garment is appropriate for your needs.
- Measurement & Fitting: Your fitter will take precise measurements of the affected area to ensure your garment provides the correct level of graduated compression. We will guide you through the available styles and colors so you can make a choice that works for your body and your life.
- Education & Care Instructions: Before you leave, we will walk you through exactly how to put on and remove your garment correctly and how to care for it to maintain its effectiveness over time. Wearing your garment consistently and caring for it properly are key to successful lymphedema management.
- Follow-Up & Replacement: Compression garments wear out over time and should be replaced regularly to their therapeutic benefit. We are here for your follow-up fittings and any questions that arise as your condition changes or your garments age.
- Education & Care Instructions: Before you leave, we will walk you through exactly how to put on and remove your garment correctly and how to care for it to maintain its effectiveness over time. Wearing your garment consistently and caring for it properly are key to successful lymphedema management.
Insurance & Coverage
Lymphedema compression garments are often covered by insurance when prescribed by a physician for a documented medical condition. Because a physician’s prescription is required for your fitting appointment, you will already have the foundational documentation in place when it comes time to file a claim.
Our staff will guide you through the insurance process from start to finish. We will help you understand your benefits, clarify what your plan covers, and assist you in filing your claim so that navigating the paperwork does not become an added burden during an already demanding time.
Let Us Be Someone You Lean On
Over My Head Boutique serves patients throughout the Columbus, Ohio area from two central Ohio locations. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema or are at risk following cancer treatment, we would be honored to support you. Contact us to schedule your fitting appointment and take the next step toward lasting comfort and confidence.